In a landmark ruling, a Kano-based High Court has delivered a death sentence by hanging to a Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, aged 47, for the brutal murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, aged 22. The tragic incident occurred at Janbulo Quarters in Kano, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
The trial, presided over by Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, culminated in the conviction of Geng-Quangrong on a single count charge of culpable homicide. Justice Ado-Ma’aji, in delivering the judgment, emphasized that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, highlighting inconsistencies in the defendant’s testimony. “The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent; I hereby find him guilty,” declared Justice Ado-Ma’aji.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, detailed the events leading to the tragic incident. According to Dederi, on September 16, 2022, at approximately 9 pm, Geng-Quangrong allegedly stabbed the deceased with a knife at her residence in Janbulo Quarters, Kano, under circumstances that are yet to be fully disclosed. The victim, gravely injured, was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival by medical personnel.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case supported by six witnesses and four exhibits. The defendant, however, maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charge. In his defense, Geng-Quangrong, represented by counsel Muhummad Dan’azumi, claimed that the stabbing occurred in self-defense after the victim allegedly assaulted him. Despite his plea, the court found him culpable of the heinous crime.
The offence, as outlined by the prosecutor, contravenes the provision of Section 221(b) of the Penal Code, warranting severe penalties for such acts of violence. While Dan’azumi, the defense counsel, appealed to the court to consider mitigating circumstances and recommend the defendant for a prerogative of mercy under Section 313 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), the court remained resolute in its verdict.
In his emotional testimony, Geng-Quangrong expressed remorse for his actions, asserting that he did not intend to kill Ummukulsum but acted out of self-preservation. He appealed to the court for leniency, urging justice to be tempered with mercy. However, the court, after careful consideration of all evidence presented, handed down the death sentence, citing the gravity of the offence and the need to uphold justice.
Following the verdict, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, the mother of the deceased, conveyed her satisfaction with the court’s decision, acknowledging that the death sentence would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar acts of violence. Speaking to reporters, Hajiya Fatima emphasized the importance of justice in deterring individuals from taking the law into their own hands.
The ruling marks a significant milestone in the quest for justice and underscores the imperative of upholding the rule of law in addressing crimes of violence. It serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and underscores the need for collective efforts to promote peace and harmony within communities.
