A 47-year-old Chinese national, Geng Quandong, has been condemned to death by hanging for the murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Buhari.

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Quandong faced charges of culpable homicide by the state government following the tragic demise of 23-year-old Ms. Buhari at Janbalu quarters in September 2022. Reports suggest the altercation leading to her death arose from her alleged refusal to marry Quandong, purportedly after exploiting him.

After a meticulous trial, the Kano State High Court presided over by Judge Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, found Quandong guilty of the killing and delivered a grim verdict—death by hanging. Judge Ado-Ma’aji underscored the prosecution’s success in establishing the case beyond reasonable doubt, citing inconsistencies in Quandong’s testimony.

Despite the severity of the sentence, Judge Ado-Ma’aji extended a glimmer of hope for clemency, recommending that the Kano State Governor consider mercy on behalf of the convicted individual.

The Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, acting as the prosecution counsel, outlined the events leading to the tragic incident, wherein Quandong allegedly stabbed Ms. Buhari with a knife at her residence, resulting in her untimely demise.

During the trial, the defense, led by Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented Quandong’s testimony, asserting his actions as self-defense, alleging that Ms. Buhari had assaulted him. Dan’azumi implored the court to consider the defendant for the prerogative of mercy under section 313 of ACJL.

In a poignant plea, Quandong expressed remorse, claiming that the stabbing was not intentional but a desperate act to defend himself. He beseeched the court for leniency in its sentencing.

Following the verdict, the victim’s mother, Fatima Zubairu, voiced satisfaction with the court’s decision, addressing journalists and expressing a sense of closure for the grieving family in the wake of the tragic loss.