Court jails man for life over friend's death in Abuja

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced Ekang Bassey to life imprisonment for causing the death of his friend, Emeka Nnonifu, during a birthday celebration in Abuja. The conviction stems from a disagreement that escalated into a fatal physical confrontation.

According to a statement released by Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, the incident occurred on January 6, 2024. Bassey was initially charged with culpable homicide punishable by death, contrary to Sections 220(a) and (b) of the Penal Code Law. Evidence presented in court indicated that Bassey and Nnonifu were friends, and the deceased had organized the birthday party which Bassey attended.

The court heard that a disagreement between the two friends escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Nnonifu's death. The prosecution provided evidence that Bassey assaulted Nnonifu by slapping and pushing him, causing him to fall and strike his head on a concrete surface, resulting in fatal injuries.

In its judgment, the court found that while Bassey's unlawful act caused Nnonifu's death, the necessary intention or knowledge to sustain a conviction under Section 221 of the Penal Code was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the court convicted Bassey of culpable homicide under Section 224 of the Penal Code, sentencing him to life imprisonment based on the established evidence that he unlawfully caused the death of the deceased. The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for offenders while upholding the rule of law.