A Kogi State High Court sitting in Ankpa has convicted and sentenced a farmer to death by hanging for the culpable homicide of a teenager who had gone into the bush with his brothers to set animal traps.
Hon. Justice A.U. Muhammed delivered the judgment on June 30, 2026, finding Isiaka Alfa, also known as Ayegba, guilty of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221 of the Kogi State Penal Code Law, 2019.
According to evidence led by the prosecution, the offence occurred on December 28, 2023, when the deceased, Alih Haruna, and his two brothers went to a farm to set traps for bush animals. Alfa, who shares a farmland boundary with the boys’ father, confronted the three as they went about their errand and pursued them with a locally made gun.
As the boys fled, Alfa opened fire, killing Haruna instantly. The teenager was reportedly running behind his two brothers when he was shot.
The case was prosecuted by Barrister Matthew Akubo, who presented evidence establishing Alfa’s culpability in the killing. Following the conclusion of testimony from both the prosecution and the defense, the court returned a guilty verdict and imposed the death sentence by hanging.
Speaking after the judgment, Akubo, a Senior Legal Officer for the state, commended the court for what he described as a sound judgment. He dedicated the outcome to the memory of Alih Haruna and to all victims of crime across Nigeria.
Defense counsel B.A. Ali also acknowledged the court, commending the time and diligence invested in reaching the judgment.
The convict has since been informed of his right to appeal the decision.
