FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR, GOMBE
Gombe State High Court presided over by Justice A.M Haruna, has ordered the amputation of Abdullahi Suleiman, after finding him guilty of severing the right hand of a 14-year-old boy, Khalifa Abubakar, during a brawl.
The incident occurred on February 12, 2022 in Moddibo village, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, during a wedding ceremony that escalated into chaos.
At approximately 11pm, the groom instructed guests to leave the venue due to the commotion.
As the crowd dispersed, Suleiman, a resident of Wajari village, and other youths used machetes to scatter those present.
Khalifa, who paused to retrieve his fallen shoe, was brutally attacked by Suleiman, resulting in the complete amputation of his right hand.
Khalifa was rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, where his injuries were treated.
His family reported the attack to the police, prompting legal proceedings against Suleiman.
In the case, filed under suit number GM/88C/2022, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including Khalifa, who identified Suleiman as the assailant. Three eyewitnesses testified to witnessing the attack while a medical doctor provided evidence on the severity of the injury.
The defence presented two witnesses, but their testimonies failed to convince the court.
In its ruling, the court acknowledged Suleiman’s remorse and his counsel’s plea for leniency, which included an offer to provide Khalifa with a prosthetic hand as restitution.
However, Justice Haruna rejected the plea, emphasising the need for justice and deterrence.
The court sentenced Suleiman to two years in prison or a fine of N50,000 and ordered him to pay Khalifa’s N134,540 medical expenses.
The court also ordered the amputation of Abdullahi’s right hand, mirroring the injury he inflicted on Khalifa, citing it as a warning to others who may consider similar violent acts.
