Fatshimetrie recently reported on a tragic incident at Zuba market involving two fruit sellers, Abubakar and Usman Sani. The matter took a dramatic turn when Abubakar allegedly hit Usman with a stone on the head, leading to his death. Police charged Abubakar for the act, alleging that he committed the offense under Section 221 of the Penal Code, which is punishable by death.
During the resuming hearing, prosecutor Umoh Inah informed the court of the death of his second witness, Commissioner Micah, following an accident. He indicated that the prosecution would be satisfied with the evidence of the single witness already heard.
Defense lawyer Ade Olusalako then called his first and only witness, the defendant himself. The latter testified saying that the victim had taken a basket of fruit belonging to him, thus triggering a violent argument.
“I told him that the baskets belonged to me, he insulted me and hit me. We fought with our bare hands. He called his compatriots and the fight continued. I pushed him away and he fell. He was taken to the hospital while I was taken to the police station.
A week later, his family came to the station to inform me that Usman had died and was allegedly suffering from an asthma attack,” he told the court.
He also pointed out that the victim’s relatives confirmed that he had suffered from asthma since birth. During his cross-examination by the prosecutor, the defendant claimed that he did not provide any information to the police station and did not write a statement. To which the prosecutor responded by asserting that the defendant’s statement and the medical examiner’s report were part of the evidence presented in court.
This tragic episode at the Zuba market highlights the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and raising awareness about health problems. Events of this nature should serve as a reminder to the community to seek non-violent solutions and to consider the mental and physical health of those involved in conflicts.