A Zamfara State High Court has sentenced two men, Abdulshakur Tukur and Abdullahi Buba, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of conspiracy and the murder of Ahmad Yakubu.

Chief Judge Justice Kulu Isa Aliyu said the judgment followed a careful review of the evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

The court found that the two men killed Yakubu in the Barakallahu area of Gusau on December 13, 2021.

In addition to the death sentence for culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code, the court also sentenced both men to seven years’ imprisonment for criminal conspiracy under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

After the judgment, Zamfara State prosecuting counsel Kabiru Samaila said he was satisfied with the verdict, noting that the prosecution presented enough evidence to secure the conviction.

The defence lawyer, Zakari Abubakar, said the trial was conducted peacefully but added that his team would study the judgment before deciding whether to appeal.

The court also ruled on other suspects linked to the case. Aminu Baba, who was accused of buying parts removed from the victim’s body, was struck out of the case after he died in custody.

Another suspect, Ahmad Tukur, was discharged and acquitted because the court found there was insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.

The case first drew national attention in January 2022 after the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and cannibalism.

Three minors reportedly admitted to the charges during the early stages of the case, while the adult suspects denied the allegations before the matter was transferred to the High Court for trial.

Three armed men allegedly dressed in vigilante uniforms have reportedly attacked motorists and abducted some occupants into the forest in Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the incident occurred on July 30, 2026 at about 10:40 pm at Ugbogun axis along the Lagos-Benin Expressway before the military checkpoint.

She said the armed men blocked the expressway with logs of wood and leaves before attacking motorists.

She explained that on receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of Police operatives including members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, local hunters and other security partners to the scene.

“The operatives immediately embarked on an aggressive bush-combing operation, enhanced by drone technology to search and aid the rescue mission.

“The Command successfully rescued four kidnapped hostages following a coordinated rescue operation by its operatives and other security stakeholders.

“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminals forced them to release their captives and flee,” she added.

The command’s spokesperson gave the names of the rescued victims as Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince and Yeiyah Gift.

She added that the victims who were rescued unhurt have since been reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the command commended the bravery, professionalism and synergy exhibited by all personnel involved in the operations.

The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking FESTAC Town to Alakija.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, task force.

The operation followed the discovery of vandalism beneath the bridge during an enforcement exercise carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, as well as other forms of infractions.

According to the government, investigations showed that the suspected hoodlums deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials essential to the integrity of the bridge.

It described the act as a serious threat to public safety and said it also undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.

“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” the statement said.  

The government said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of Lagos State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, adding that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.