A High Court sitting in Jos has sentenced a final year student, identified as Odey Emmanuel, to death by hanging. The student, from Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, was convicted of culpable homicide for the murder of his teacher, Mr. Job Dashe.

According to prosecution, Mr. Dashe, a staff member and duty master, confronted Emmanuel for violating school rules by attempting to collect double food rations during breakfast. Eyewitnesses testified that the student became agitated, openly threatened the deceased, and later returned with a knife, stabbing Mr. Dashe in the chest before fleeing. Mr. Dashe was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Odey Emmanuel was convicted of culpable homicide punishable with death contrary to Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017, in Charge No. PLD/J178C/2021.

Presiding over the case, Hon. Justice S J Bakfur held that the prosecution, led by the Plateau Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi, Esq., represented by Chief State Counsels, Nanfe Mbap, Esq., and Solomon Gyang Deme, Esq., proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

During the trial, the state prosecution presented strong evidence, including medical reports, eyewitness testimonies, and police findings that corroborated the sequence of events. The defense failed to disprove the overwhelming evidence brought forward by the state.

Despite pleas for leniency from the defense, the court stated that the law mandates the death penalty for such an offense under Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017. This judgment sends a strong message regarding violence within educational institutions. The convict has the right to appeal the judgment to higher courts.