By A Plateau State High Court has sentenced two men, Thomas Danboyi and Pam Lang, to death by hanging for their involvement in the killing of one Chung Bot. The verdict was delivered by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, in Jos on Wednesday.
The court found the defendants guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offenses under the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963. The prosecution, led by Plateau State Attorney General Hon. P.A. Daffi, proved that the crime took place on April 26, 2010, in Gyel Bukuru, Jos South LGA.
According to evidence presented, Chung Bot and his family were working on their farmland when they were attacked by the convicts and other accomplices who are still at large. During the attack, Danboyi restrained the victim while Lang repeatedly struck him on the head with a stick. Bot was later taken to Plateau Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Justice Mann ruled that the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence, proving beyond reasonable doubt that the accused conspired to commit the crime and intentionally caused the victim’s death. Their conviction was based on witness testimonies and exhibits submitted in court.
The defense counsel pleaded for leniency, citing that both men were responsible family members and had maintained good conduct throughout the trial. However, the judge only showed discretion in their conspiracy charge, sentencing them to three years in prison for that count.
Despite the plea for mercy, both men were sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide. The ruling brings an end to a case that has been in court for over a decade.
