A Kano High Court has sentenced a Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, aged 47, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, aged 22.

Frank, a resident of Railway Quarters in Kano, was found guilty on a charge of culpable homicide, following a tragic incident that occurred on September 16, 2022, at Janbulo Quarters, Kano.

Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, presiding over the case, delivered the verdict, affirming that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent. I hereby find him guilty. I hereby recommend mercy by the Kano State Governor on behalf of the convict,” Justice Ado-Ma’aji ruled.

According to the Prosecution Counsel, Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, the convict fatally stabbed the deceased with a knife in her residence at Janbulo Quarters, Kano, around 9 p.m. on the fateful day, for reasons undisclosed.

“The victim was rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” Dederi stated.

Throughout the trial, the defendant maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charge. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including six witnesses and four exhibits, to substantiate their case.

In his defense, Frank recounted the tragic events, asserting that he acted in self-defense after Ummukulsum Sani allegedly assaulted him.

“I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self-defense after she grabbed my testes,” Frank testified, appealing to the court for clemency.

The defense counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, implored the court to consider recommending the defendant for a prerogative of mercy, emphasizing the provisions of Section 313 of ACJL.