Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
A Gombe State High Court has sentenced Ismail Abubakar to 10 years’ imprisonment for criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and armed robbery following an attack on a man in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice Muhammad-Auwal Haruna of the Gombe State High Court, Court No. 5, according to a report by Punch Newspapers published on October 9, 2026.
Abubakar was convicted over an incident that occurred on July 21, 2024, at Kalorgu Quarters in Kaltungo, where the prosecution alleged that he and two other individuals attacked Daniel Danis as he returned from his shop.
How the Robbery Happened
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly armed themselves with cutlasses and a torchlight before attacking Danis at about 9 p.m.
The victim was reportedly robbed of an Infinix mobile phone valued at ₦45,000 and some money. He was also attacked and injured with a sharp object during the incident.
Abubakar was charged alongside two other suspects identified as Sirajo and Babangida, also known as Goga.
Sirajo was reported to have died, while Babangida was said to be at large as of the time of the report.
Court Hands Down Three Sentences
The court sentenced Abubakar on three separate counts under the Penal Code Law.
For criminal conspiracy, contrary to Section 97, he received two years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦30,000 fine.
For causing grievous hurt under Section 248, the court imposed three years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.
He was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine for armed robbery under Section 298(c).
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, according to Punch Newspapers, which also reported the total prison term as 10 years. The reported total appears inconsistent with the stated concurrent sentences and would require confirmation from the formal court order.
Prosecution Proved Case Beyond Reasonable Doubt
During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses and presented exhibits in support of its case. The defence cross-examined the prosecution witnesses and subsequently called one witness.
Abubakar had pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Haruna reportedly said the court relied on the testimonies of the first and second prosecution witnesses, who identified the defendant at the scene under adequate illumination.
The judge concluded that the prosecution had established Abubakar’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt on all three counts.
The court subsequently convicted him and imposed the sentences for the offences.
What the Judgment Means
The conviction underscores the legal consequences of armed robbery and violent attacks under Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Armed robbery cases involve both the unlawful taking of property and the use or threat of violence. Where a court finds the accused guilty, the punishment is determined by the applicable law and the circumstances established during the proceedings.
The case also highlights the importance of witness testimony and other evidence in criminal trials, particularly when the court must determine whether the prosecution has proved its allegations to the required legal standard.
Meanwhile, the reported status of the other suspects remains relevant to the broader case. Further information would be needed to establish whether Babangida has been arrested or whether additional proceedings have taken place.
The available report does not indicate whether Abubakar intends to appeal the conviction or sentence.
Weng Global — Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers — Gombe Man Gets 10-Year Jail Term for Robbery, Others, published October 9, 2026. https://punchng.com/gombe-man-gets-10-year-jail-term-for-robbery-others/
