A 32-year-old man, Auwal Usman, has been sentenced by the Bauchi State Chief Magistrates’ Court for using a machete to cut off both hands of his friend during a physical altercation. The Presiding Judge, Haruna Mamman, found Usman guilty of the horrific act.
According to the police prosecutor, Yusuf Musa, the incident occurred when Usman had a dispute with his friend, Sabo Abduwa, which escalated into a fight. During the altercation, Usman retrieved a machete and severed both of Abduwa’s hands. One hand fell to the ground, while the other remained hanging.
Abduwa was immediately rushed to Ningi General Hospital for medical treatment, where his remaining hand had to be amputated to save his life due to the severity of the injuries. This act of violence is in violation of Section 241 of the penal code.
During the court proceedings, Usman admitted to the charges but pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that it was his first offense. However, the judge, Mamman, deemed the act heinous and recognized the lifelong disability inflicted upon the victim. As a result, Mamman sentenced Usman to two years in a correctional center without the option of a fine for causing grievous harm, as outlined in Section 241 of the Penal Code.
Additionally, Mamman ordered Usman to compensate the victim with N150,000 to cover his medical expenses.
