Former student sentenced to death by hanging for Plateau teacher’s murder

A High Court located in Plateau State has issued a death sentence by hanging to Emmanuel Ude, an ex-student of Government Technical College, Bukuru, for the murder of his teacher, Mr Job Dashe, which occurred in 2021.

Justice Silas Bakfur delivered the verdict on Monday, declaring Ude guilty of culpable homicide, as defined by Sections 221 and 222 of the Plateau State Penal Code, which mandate the death penalty for such a crime.

The incident took place in July 2021 when Ude, then enrolled at the technical college situated in Jos South Local Government Area, was confronted by Mr Dashe, who was on duty as Duty Master.

During the confrontation, Ude had violated dining hall regulations and was requested to open his food flask for inspection under suspicion of having acquired food through unauthorised means. He declined the request.

Moments following the altercation, Ude went back to the dormitory, returned wielding a knife, and proceeded to stab the teacher in the chest. He immediately fled the location. Mr Dashe was taken to a medical facility along Vom Road, where he was later pronounced dead.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ude’s arrest. He provided a confessional statement at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which was admitted as a crucial piece of evidence during the trial.

The prosecution, which included state counsel Nansil Mbah and Solomon Deme from the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, contended that the killing was intentional and carefully planned. The legal proceedings spanned almost four years.

Josil Drinkat, the defence lawyer, urged the court to exercise compassion, pointing out that the defendant had expressed regret throughout the trial.

Nevertheless, Justice Bakfur stated that, although the convict’s regret had been recognised, the law did not permit any flexibility under such conditions.

He said, “The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The hands of the court are tied; I can only do what the law prescribes in such a situation.”

Emmanuel Ude was found guilty and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until he is legally confirmed dead.