Kano High Court Jails Four Armed Robbers for 10 Years Over Night Attacks in Ungogo

Justice has been served in Kano as a High Court sentenced four men to 10 years in prison for a series of armed robberies that terrorised residents of Ungogo Local Government Area.

Presiding judge, Justice Adam Abdullahi, handed down the verdict on Tuesday, convicting Shafi’u Abubakar, Usman Suleiman, Usman Sa’idu, and Ali Isa on charges of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery. Each of the convicts was also fined ₦10,000.

Midnight Raids on Residential Homes

Court records show that the group, all residents of Rijiyar Lemo, carried out coordinated attacks in the early hours of July 22, 2024. Between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., they stormed homes in Bankaura Quarters and Sabon Garin Doka, wielding dangerous weapons and robbing occupants of valuables.

One of the victims, Abdullahi Musa, was dispossessed of items including an Infinix smartphone, a Tecno keypad phone, a Lifan motorcycle valued at ₦700,000, and cash.

Another victim, Mansur Muazu, was attacked shortly after, with the assailants making away with ₦201,000 and 500 CFA francs.

Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea

The prosecution, led by Barrister Ibrahim Garba Arif, presented two witnesses to establish the case. During proceedings, the defendants—represented by Barrister Basira Yunus—changed their plea from not guilty to guilty, paving the way for a summary trial.

The court found them guilty on all three counts under Sections 97 and 298(c) of the Penal Code.

Sentences to Run Concurrently

Justice Abdullahi ruled that the 10-year sentences would run concurrently, meaning the convicts will serve the terms simultaneously. The sentence takes effect from July 22, 2024—the date of their arrest.

The judgment underscores the judiciary’s stance against violent crime and offers a measure of relief to affected communities in Kano State.