Ex-Guard and Cook Sentenced to Death for Killing Former Katsina Commissioner
A Katsina State High Court has sentenced two men to death for the murder of Rabe Nasir, a former Commissioner for Science and Technology in Katsina State. The court ruled that the men poisoned Nasir in December 2021 at his home in Fatima Shema Housing Estate.
The two convicts, Shamsu Lawal, who was Nasir’s former security guard, and Tasi’u Rabi’u, who worked as his cook, were found guilty of poisoning Nasir after they failed to steal from him. Medical reports confirmed that poison was found in Nasir’s body, which led to his death.
Another former guard, Sani Sa’adu, was sentenced to five years in prison for hiding information about the crime. Meanwhile, a woman named Gift Bako was cleared of all charges due to lack of evidence.
During the trial, both the prosecution and defense teams expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. The defense lawyer asked for mercy, highlighting that the convicts have families who depend on them, but the court stood firm with the death sentences for the two men.
Rabe Nasir was a respected public figure who served as a commissioner in 2021 under Governor Aminu Masari. He was also a former federal lawmaker and worked for the Department of State Services. His sudden death shocked the community, and his funeral was held amid much sorrow.
The court’s verdict has brought some relief to Nasir’s family and the community, who have been awaiting justice since the tragic killing nearly four years ago.