Yakubu Busari
The Court of Appeal sitting in Jos Division on Monday has discharged and acquitted one Mohammed Adamu, Usman Pate, and Zakari Dembo, who have been on death row for over five years.
In a suit of Appeal No: CA/J/292/C/2024, CA/J/293/C/2024, and CA/J/294/C/2024, filed by Barr. Munir Abdullahi Barau on behalf of his clients, Mohammed Adamu, Usman Pate, and Zakari Dembo, respectively, against the Judgement of the Lower Court (Plateau State High Court in Langtang), which had sentenced them to death.
Barr. Munir Baru Abdullahi, the Counsel for the respondents, challenged the judgment of the lower court on the grounds that the judgment lacked merit by pleading that the Appellant court should carefully study the grounds of the sentence.
However, the prosecuting counsel to the commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Barr. A. O. Ochogwu, responds that the Appeal Court found merit in the ground of the defense counsel.
According to the “Lead Judgement”, prepared and delivered by Hon. Justice A. A. Akinyemi (JCA), via Zoom, and concurred to by Hon. Justice M. O. Yusuff (P.J.), and Hon. Justice P. O. Affen (JCA), in part, and for each of the appeals, reads:
“The Appeal has merit and is hereby allowed. Judgment of the Lower Court is set aside.
“The Appellant is hereby Discharged and acquitted because the lower court didn’t follow the rules of engagement.
In an exclusive interview with Barr. Abdullahi Barau, commended the appeal court for restoring the hope of the judiciary through a sound Judgement.
He explained that his clients were denied their freedom for five years in a correctional center, but we are going to ensure that justice served on them will grant them freedom.
He was thankful to Allah for the release of the three convicted persons, having secured their freedom.
