A Kebbi State High Court in Birnin Kebbi has sentenced 40-year-old Bello Musa, also known as Katuka, to death by hanging for culpable homicide and handed him a five-year prison term for cheating.

Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwa delivered the judgment after finding Musa guilty on three counts: criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and cheating, contrary to Sections 60(b), 191(b), and 308 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.

Musa was arraigned on November 22, 2024, over the death of 31-year-old Shamsiyya Usman. The prosecution stated that Musa, who had lodged with the victim in a hotel in Birnin Kebbi in November 2024, poisoned her drink and left her body in the hotel room.

Following the discovery of the body, police launched an investigation that led to Musa’s arrest.

Prosecution counsel, Barrister Zainab Muhammad Jabbo, presented eight witnesses and four exhibits, including the defendant’s confessional statements recorded at the state criminal investigation department.