The Kano High Court has handed down a death sentence by hanging of a 47-year-old Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, for the murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, aged 22.
The tragic incident occurred on September 16, 2022, at Janbulo Quarters in Kano.
Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, who presided over the case, delivered the judgment on Tuesday.
“The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent. I hereby find him guilty,” Justice Sanusi said.
He further recommended mercy on behalf of the convict to be considered by the Kano State governor.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Dederi recounted the events leading to the fatal stabbing, emphasising the defendant’s culpability.
“The victim was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” Dederi stated.
Despite Frank’s plea of not guilty, the court heard from six witnesses and examined four exhibits, all reinforcing the prosecution’s case. The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented Frank’s testimony, wherein he claimed self-defense, alleging that the victim had attacked him first.
“I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self-defense after she grabbed my testes,” Frank testified.
Following the verdict, the victim’s mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. The ruling serves as a testament to the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crimes in the region.
As Frank awaits the governor’s decision on his plea for mercy, many believe the legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the need for stringent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future
