A man named Muhammad Ali-Shaibu was sentenced to death on Thursday for his involvement in a violent cult clash that occurred on March 28, 2022, at Kabawa Old Market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
This tragic incident resulted in the loss of four lives and left numerous others injured, as reported by the Kogi Police Command.
Alongside Ali-Shaibu, twelve other individuals faced trial in connection with the violent confrontation between rival groups, consisting of members as young as 13 to 15 years. These defendants—Mustapha Usman, Ademu Suleiman, Muhammed Usman, Ayuba Tamasani, Usman Liman, Baba Umar, Abdulrafiu Abbas, Muhammed Abubakar Abdullahi Usman, Usman Mohammed, Aliyu Ibrahim, and Abubakar Jimba—were ultimately discharged and acquitted of all charges.
They were accused of serious offences, including criminal conspiracy, brigandage with culpable homicide, armed robbery, and mischief by fire, all in violation of various provisions of the Kogi State Penal Code Law.
In delivering the judgement, Justice M. Esu of the Kogi State High Court stated that overwhelming evidence implicated Ali-Shaibu as being deeply involved in the chaotic events at the Kabawa Old Market on that fateful day, leading to his conviction on all charges.
He underscored the obligation of the prosecution, as outlined in section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011, to prove the guilt of the other twelve defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
“Having failed in doing so, the other defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted,” he declared.
Despite their acquittal, these defendants consistently maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all accusations. The prosecution presented six witnesses and various exhibits during the trial, while the defendants, through their legal representatives Martin Atojoko and Philip Idiok, denied the allegations and contended that the prosecution hadn’t met the burden of proof required.
The violent clash not only resulted in fatalities but also saw many homes destroyed, highlighting the tragic consequences of the cult-related violence that plagued the community.
