Court sentences final-year student to death by hanging

Plateau state, Nigeria: A High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a final-year student of Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher on school premises.

The defendant, Odey Emmanuel, was found guilty of culpable homicide punishable by death, contrary to Sections 188 and 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017. The case was filed as Charge No. PLD/J178C/2021.

Presiding over the case, Justice S. J. Bakfur ruled that the prosecution, led by Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi—represented by Chief State Counsel Nanfe Mbap and Solomon Gyang Deme—successfully proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on July 30, 2022, at the school’s premises in Jos South Local Government Area. The victim, Mr. Job Dashe, a staff member and duty supervisor, had reportedly confronted Emmanuel for breaching school rules by collecting double food rations during breakfast and lunch.

Eyewitnesses testified that Emmanuel became confrontational following disciplinary action. Multiple witnesses, including staff, students, police officers, and medical personnel, recalled hearing the defendant make threats such as, “I shall do it; nobody will stop me,” and, “I must hurt this teacher,” before brandishing a knife.

Emmanuel was said to have fatally stabbed Mr. Dashe in the chest. The victim was immediately rushed to Mercy Seat Hospital by colleagues, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The court was presented with corroborating medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and police investigations during the trial. The defense was unable to counter the prosecution’s evidence.

In his judgment, Justice Bakfur emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack and the danger such violent acts pose to educational environments and society at large. He stated that the law must take its full course to deter similar offenses.

Consequently, the court sentenced Odey Emmanuel to death by hanging.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 2, 2025