Herder will spend the rest of his life in jail for grazing on farmlands, shooting owners
A herder, Muhammadu Abubakar, has incurred the wrath of the law and will spend the rest of his life in jail.
According to Punch, Abubakar was prosecuted and found guilty on two counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
The 32-year-old herder was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
According to the charge, the herder opened fire at farmers when they challenged him for trespassing on their farm.
The charge read in part: “On April 9, 2019, at Aba Cotonou, Omu Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, the defendant did attempt to murder one Chief Samuel Amaa and others. Found in his possession were a gun and cartridges on the same day.”
The police prosecutor, Taiwo Ajibulu, said the offences of the herder were contrary to and punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, and Section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap.R11, Vol.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The prosecutor called four witnesses who testified against the herder.
A witness, in his testimony before the court, said, “The defendant was challenged while grazing on the cassava farm; he was angry for being questioned. He pulled out his gun and fired at the people who challenged him, but they were fortunate that the bullet missed them.
“He was later overpowered by residents while trying to escape, following which he was handed over to the police.”
The exhibits tendered included a gun, live cartridges and statements among others belonging to the herder.
The judge, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, in his verdict, stated that the prosecution proved its case against the herder.
He said: “The defendant is found guilty as charged. On count one, he is sentenced to life imprisonment, and 10 years imprisonment on count two.”
