In a landmark ruling, a Nigerian court has sentenced a Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, to death for the murder of his girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, in northern Nigeria’s Kano state. The verdict was delivered by a local court in Kano, with Justice Commissioner Haruna Dederi confirming the sentence on Tuesday.
Geng-Quangrong, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, was convicted after the court found him guilty of stabbing Sani to death at a Kano residence in September 2022. The case sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift investigation and legal proceedings.
“This is a signal that whoever is coming to a society should be prepared to comply with the extant laws of that society,” remarked Justice Commissioner Dederi, emphasizing the importance of respecting local laws and norms.
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While death sentences for capital offenses are not uncommon in Nigeria, executions are rare and require approval by state governors. According to Nigerian human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, only two warrants for death sentences have been signed since 1999, reflecting the stringent legal process involved in carrying out such penalties.
Geng-Quangrong’s case drew widespread attention, particularly due to its international implications. Instances of foreigners facing capital punishment in Nigeria, although infrequent, underscore the need for strict adherence to the country’s legal framework.
The accused now has up to three months to appeal his sentence at Nigeria’s Court of Appeal. The outcome of the appeal process will determine the finality of the verdict and whether the death penalty will be carried out.
The tragic incident highlights the importance of upholding justice and accountability in cases of violence against women. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to ensure that justice is served and the rights of all parties involved are respected.
