APPEAL COURT UPHOLD JUDGEMENT AGAINST RAPIST.

On Friday, August 25th, 2023, the Court of Appeal, Kano Division, presided over by Honourable Justice Usman Musale, delivered its verdict, upholding the decision of the Jigawa State High Court in the case against Shafiu Muhammad. Mr Muhammad had been found guilty of rape and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 295B of the Penal Code (Miscellaneous Amendment) Law, Cap P3, Laws of Jigawa State, 2012.
The Appellant, Shafiu Muhammad, was arraigned before the Jigawa State High Court in Gumel, where he stood trial of luring and raping a four-year-old girl on April 29th, 2017, at Gidan Gawo Quarters along Maigatari Road in Gumel Local Government Area.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case, calling upon five witnesses and tendered three exhibits: Exhibits P1, P2, and P3. In his defence, the Appellant testified on his behalf and called two additional witnesses.
Upon careful deliberation, the High Court found that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, Shafiu Muhammad was sentenced to life imprisonment for the offence of rape, as stipulated in Section 283 of the Penal Code Law of Jigawa State.
Following this judgment, Shafiu Muhammad appealed to the Court of Appeal, Kano Division. In his appeal, he asserted that he had been a juvenile at the time of the offence and contested the trial court’s jurisdiction to hear, determine, convict, and sentence him.

In a well-considered judgment, the Court of Appeal, Kano Division, dismissed the appeal and upheld the trial court’s decision. The Appellant’s arguments regarding his age at the time of the offence and the trial court’s jurisdiction were found to be without merit.

Zainab Baba Santali
Public Relations Officer
Jigawa State Ministry of Justice.
5th September 2023.