Alleged culpable homicide: Non-legal representation stalls trial of carpenter
Homicide
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 5, 2018 (NAN ) The trial of a carpenter, Shaibua Buba charged with culpable homicide was on Tuesday stalled at the FCT High Court, Maitama as a result of non legal representation.
The Police had brought a two-count charge, bordering on culpable homicide and attempt to commit suicide by setting himself ablaze against Buba.
Justice Hussein Baba- Yusuf had on March 8 entered non-guilty plea for the defendant even when he (Buba) pleaded guilty to the two crimes.
The judge further held that the alleged murder offence brought under Section 221 of the Penal Code must be proven beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution team before any pronouncement.
The judge urged the defendant to approach the Legal Aid Council for a counsel that would assist him in his defence and adjourned the matter until July 19 for hearing.
The judge had on March 8 sentenced Buba to six months imprison without option of fine on the allegation of attempted suicide.
Baba-Yusuf held that the court was satisfied that the defendant appeared to have understood the essential elements of the offence before he pleaded guilty.
Mr Patrick Ogele, the prosecution counsel, had told the court that on Nov. 16, 2017, at Kuruduma village, Asokoro Abuja, the defendant did violate the law against culpable homicide.
Ogele said Buba had hit his wife Satrina with a plank which caused her death.
He further informed the court that the defendant then intentionally poured kerosine on himself in an attempt to set himself ablaze, before he was rescued by people.
Ogele said that both offences contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Penal Code. (NAN)
NEO/OMO/OIF/OU
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Edited by Martins Odeh/ Ifeyinwa Okonkwo
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