On Wednesday, a [Gombe State High Court](https://gombe.gov.ng) sitting in Court No. 5 delivered a death‑by‑hanging sentence to Buhari Sule and Muktari Ali Hilami after finding them guilty of armed robbery and the murder of 35‑year‑old Murtala Rabi’u in Akko Local Government Area.
**What were the charges?**
The two accused were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide. The prosecution argued that the men conspired at Garin Galadima village, armed themselves with sticks and hoes, assaulted Rabi’u, stole his Itel keypad phone and N7,400 in cash, and later abandoned his body in a maize farm.
**When did the crime occur?**
The incident took place on 18 September 2025. According to the state counsel, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the offences breach Sections 97, 297 and 221 of the [Penal Code Law](https://www.nigeria-law.org/Penal%20Code%20Law.htm).
**How did the trial unfold?**
Both defendants entered not‑guilty pleas. The prosecution called two witnesses, who were cross‑examined by defence counsel Dan Mamman. The defence, in turn, presented one witness who was also cross‑examined by the prosecution.
**What did the judge conclude?**
Justice Muhammad‑Auwal Haruna, presiding over the case, said the court had carefully reviewed all evidence and found the prosecution’s case proved beyond reasonable doubt, especially relying on the first prosecution witness. He stated, "The prosecution has established its case and proved the allegations against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt."
**What sentence was imposed?**
Having found the men guilty of the listed offences, Justice Haruna ordered that both Buhari Sule and Muktari Ali Hilami be hanged by the neck until dead, thereby imposing the statutory death penalty for murder and armed robbery in Nigeria.