Jos High Court Sentences Final-Year Student to Death by Hanging for Murder of Teacher

Jos High Court Sentences Final-Year Student to Death by Hanging for Murder of Teacher

A High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a final-year student of Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher at the school.

The student, identified as Odey Emmanuel, was convicted of culpable homicide punishable with death, in accordance with Sections 188 and 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law (2017), under Charge No. PLD/J178C/2021.

Delivering the judgment, Hon. Justice S. J. Bakfur ruled that the prosecution, led by the Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi, Esq., and represented by Chief State Counsels Nanfe Mbap, Esq., and Solomon Gyang Deme, Esq., had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The tragic event occurred on July 30, 2022, within the premises of Government Science Technical College, located in Jos South Local Government Area. According to the prosecution, the late Mr. Job Dashe, a staff member of the school, was on duty supervising food distribution in the school kitchen alongside a colleague.

During the meal period, Mr. Dashe reportedly confronted Emmanuel for attempting to collect double rations in violation of school rules. Eyewitnesses testified that Emmanuel, visibly angry, threatened the teacher with chilling remarks such as, “I shall do it, nobody will stop me,” and “I must hurt this teacher.” Several students were said to have encouraged the act.

In a shocking escalation, Emmanuel allegedly drew a knife and stabbed Mr. Dashe in the chest. The injured teacher was rushed to Mercy Seat Hospital by staff, but was confirmed dead on arrival.

The prosecution presented a strong case with testimonies from five witnesses — including school personnel, medical experts, and law enforcement officers — alongside medical reports and police investigations that corroborated the sequence of events.

The defense was unable to refute the overwhelming evidence presented in court. In his judgment, Justice Bakfur highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime and the public setting in which it occurred. He described the act as a grave breach of the sanctity of educational institutions, stressing that such violence must be met with the full weight of justice.

Odey Emmanuel was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

The ruling has drawn widespread attention across Plateau State, sparking renewed debates about school discipline, youth violence, and safety within educational environments.