Katsina Court Sentences Two to Death for Murder of Ex-Commissioner Rabe Nasir

The Katsina State High Court 9, under the leadership of Justice I. I. Mashi, has handed down death sentences to two men found guilty of murdering former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Rabe Nasir.

Nasir was killed on December 8, 2021, at his residence in Fatima Shema Housing Estate, Katsina. The court identified the perpetrators as Shamsu Lawal, a former security guard, and Tasi’u Rabi’u, a cook. According to the ruling, the duo poisoned Nasir after their attempt to rob him failed. Medical reports confirmed the presence of poison in his body.

In addition to the capital punishment, a third person, Sani Sa’adu also a former guard was sentenced to five years in prison for withholding information about the crime.

However, a fourth defendant, Gift Bako, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Her legal counsel welcomed the verdict, citing that justice had prevailed.

Both the prosecution and defence expressed general satisfaction with the fairness of the trial. While the prosecution described the verdict as just and consistent with the law, the defence appealed for leniency, highlighting the convicts’ family responsibilities.

Following the verdict, the convicts were escorted from the courtroom under tight security, visibly distressed. Meanwhile, supporters of Gift Bako reacted with joy and relief to her acquittal.

Rabe Nasir, a former member of the House of Representatives for Mani and Bindawa Federal Constituency, served as Katsina State Commissioner for Science and Technology during Governor Aminu Masari’s administration. He also previously worked with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Nasir’s body was buried on December 10, 2021, at Gidan-Dawa Cemetery in Katsina amidst mourning by family, friends, and community members.