A birthday celebration in Abuja ended in tragedy and has now resulted in a life sentence after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court convicted a man for the death of his friend following a violent altercation.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said Ekang Philip Bassey was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice M. S. Idris of High Court 25 for the killing of Emeka Nnonifu during a birthday party held at a hotel in Kubwa on January 6, 2024.
According to the police, Bassey had organised the birthday celebration, which the deceased attended. However, an argument between the two friends reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation.
The prosecution told the court that Bassey slapped and pushed Nnonifu during the altercation, causing him to fall and hit his head on a concrete surface. The victim sustained severe head injuries and was later confirmed dead.
Following investigations, the FCT Police Command charged Bassey with culpable homicide punishable with death under Sections 220(a) and (b) of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/330/2024, Justice Idris held that while the prosecution proved that the defendant’s unlawful actions caused the victim’s death, it failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or had the knowledge required for a conviction under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
The court, however, found him guilty of culpable homicide under Section 224 of the Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Reacting to the judgment, the FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that criminal offences are diligently investigated and prosecuted while safeguarding the constitutional rights of all parties involved.
The Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the conviction underscores its resolve to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders through due process.
