Murder Trial: Kano Court Acquits Man After Psychiatrist’s Testimony

A Kano State High Court has acquitted a 35-year-old man, Inusa Rabo, charged with killing a 55-year-old man, after medical proof established his historical past of psychological sickness.

Justice Fatima Adamu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution did not show the cost of culpable murder in opposition to Rabo past affordable doubt.

The decide stated the testimony of a psychiatrist on the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dawanau, Kano, Dr Adamu Aliyu, supported proof that the defendant had a historical past of psychological sickness.

She consequently discharged and acquitted Rabo, who resides in Kadawa Quarters, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

However, the courtroom directed the defendant’s family to signal an endeavor to make sure that he continues receiving remedy on the psychiatric hospital and takes his treatment frequently.

Justice Adamu stated the courtroom had a accountability to guard society whereas guaranteeing justice was served, including that the proof earlier than it established the defendant’s psychological well being historical past.

She additionally counseled defence counsel, Haruna Saleh-Zakariyya, for dealing with the case professional bono and presenting a medical professional to testify. The decide urged different legal professionals to exhibit related diligence and professionalism.

How the case unfolded

The prosecution, led by Hafsat Ada’u-Kutama, advised the courtroom that Rabo dedicated the alleged offence on September 1, 2024, at Kadawa Quarters.

She alleged that at about 1:50 pm, the defendant struck Sa’idu Haruna on the pinnacle with a stick, inflicting accidents that led to his demise.

According to the prosecution, Haruna was rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, the place he was confirmed useless.

The prosecution referred to as three witnesses and tendered three displays in an try to determine the cost, which it stated contravened Section 221 of the Penal Code.

Rabo denied committing the offence.

The defence referred to as the defendant and two different witnesses and tendered three displays, together with a medical certificates indicating that he had a historical past of psychological sickness spanning greater than 10 years.

During his testimony, Dr Aliyu advised the courtroom that he had been treating Rabo for greater than a decade.

The courtroom subsequently dominated that the prosecution had not established its case past affordable doubt and acquitted the defendant.