The two convicts of the kidnap and murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, Abdulmalik Muhammad Tanko and Hashimu Isyaku have filed a notice of appeal, challenging their death sentences at the Court of Appeal, Kano Division.
It would be recalled that on the 28th of July, 2022, a Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Usman Mallam Na’abba sentenced the duo to death by hanging after the trial.
They were additionally convicted to five and four years each for conspiracy, as they both allegedly conspired and kidnapped the deceased from Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Islamic Foundation, killed and buried her in a shallow grave in Northwest Preparatory School, located at Kwanar Yan Ghana, in Nassarawa LGA, Kano.
The appellants, through their counsel, Barrister Anthony Ezenwoko, approached the Appeal Court with two grounds of appeal each, seeking the court to set aside the death sentences against them.
Abdulmalik and Hashimu alleged that the decision of the court is unreasonable and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence adduced before the court.
They further alleged that the learned trial judge erred in law when he held that the Prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A three-man justice panel, led by Justice B.M. Ugo, alongside Justice U.A. Musale and Justice A.O. Adeniyi, granted the appellants’ counsel request for an extension to file an appeal, challenging the Kano State High Court Number Five judgment in Case No K/30e/2022.
Counsel for the appellants applied on August 12, 2024, seeking an extension of time to challenge the death sentences imposed by the Kano State High Court. The Kano State Government’s counsel did not object to this request.
Justice Ugo granted the appellants an extension to file their appeal within 14 days at the Kano State High Court, specifically regarding the notice of appeal.
He maintained that the decisions align with the Court of Appeal Act, which allows for extensions of time in certain circumstances.
