…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Sokoto State Police Command’s Response to the Killing of Deborah Samuel
The Sokoto State Police Command has acknowledged that the individuals apprehended in connection with the brutal murder of Deborah Samuel, a Christian female student, were brought to court on charges of “inciting and disturbance,” as reported by SaharaReporters.
However, the police clarified that they cannot be held responsible if the court absolved the suspects of any wrongdoing.
The Tragic Incident: Deborah Samuel’s Murder
Recalling the tragic event, Deborah Samuel, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, was brutally attacked and burned to death by a mob on May 12, 2022.
This horrifying act was a result of remarks made by Deborah that were deemed offensive to Prophet Mohammed.
Arrest and Court Appearance of the Suspects
Shortly after the incident, two suspects, namely Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, were arrested in connection with Deborah’s murder.
They were subsequently brought before a Sokoto State Magistrate Court to face charges related to her killing.
Acquittal of the Suspects and Police’s Stance
Despite pleading not guilty to the murder charges, the court discharged and acquitted both Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci.
The Sokoto Police Public Relations Officer, Rufai Ahmad, provided a comment regarding the case.
He stated that the police had fulfilled their responsibility by arraigning the individuals in court.
The charges pressed against them were for inciting disturbance, which is considered a bailable offense.
He further explained that the court’s decision to either vindicate or release the suspects was beyond the police’s control, and such inquiries should be directed towards the court.
Revelation of Court Documents
However, court documents obtained by SaharaReporters shed light on the reasons behind the suspects’ release.
The documents revealed that the suspects were set free due to the failure of Nigerian police prosecutors to appear in court.
The judgment delivered by the Chief Magistrate Court I Gutwa, Sokoto on January 30, 2023, highlighted the absence of the prosecution team.
Potential Charges and Sentencing
Had the suspects been convicted, they could have faced a maximum sentence of two years in prison for charges related to criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbance.