A High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a final-year student, Odey Emmanuel, of Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher, Mr. Job Dashe.
Presiding judge, Justice S. J. Bakfur, convicted Emmanuel of culpable homicide punishable by death, in violation of Sections 188 and 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law (2017), under Charge No. PLD/J178C/2021.
The court found that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, based on evidence presented by Chief State Counsels Nanfe Mbap and Solomon Gyang Deme, under the direction of Plateau State Attorney-General, Philemon Audu Daffi.
The incident occurred on July 30, 2022, within the school premises. Mr. Dashe had confronted Emmanuel over collecting double rations of food, in violation of school rules.
Eyewitnesses testified that Emmanuel became agitated and threatened the teacher, saying, “I shall do it, nobody will stop me” and “I must hurt this teacher.”
Emmanuel later stabbed Mr. Dashe in the chest with a knife.
The victim was rushed to Mercy Seat Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
Five prosecution witnesses, including school staff, police officers, and medical personnel, supported the case with corroborating testimonies and reports.
Justice Bakfur described the attack as premeditated and deliberate, highlighting the danger such violence poses within educational institutions. The court ruled Emmanuel guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging.