Benue State University Undergraduate to Die by Hanging

Information on my news desk this morning, says that a Makurdi High Court had on Tuesday, the 26th of November (which is yesterday) sentenced one Jacob Atongo, a 100-level sociology student of Benue State University, to death by hanging for armed robbery.

According to the reports here, Justice Adam Onum held that he was satisfied with the confession of the accused to the charges and therefore found him guilty.

Justice Onum sentenced the accused to death by hanging, insisting that the sentence prescribed under the law for the offence must be followed without looking back.

The BSU 100 level student, Jacob Atongo had allegedly conspired with two others to rob one Stephen Akuma of his Toyota Camry, and had also robbed others at gun point on June 26, 2012.

Mr Jacob is also alleged to have attacked Judges’ Quarters, Makurdi on July 3, 2012 and robbed no fewer than 15 people.

According to the rules, the offences contravened the Robbery and Firearms Laws.

The Justice found the accused guilty, even though the accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges and testified for himself along with one witness called by his counsel.

Prosecution called seven witnesses and tendered exhibits, which included two statements made by the convict to the police.

However, counsel to the accused, Mr. E.Z. Agbakor, told the court that the accused did not make the statement tendered in court voluntarily, insisting his client was tortured and forced to confess to the offences by the tactics of the prosecuting lawyer.
Sad news indeed, but wait a seconds, when this news arrived our news desk, a co-worker said that asuu should be blamed! and i was like “stop saying that!”.
Please note that am not blaming Mr Jacob or even judging him, but this is outrageous!
Why would anyone blame asuu or even the federal government for someone who chose to go and steal? all because of asuu strike? is the university a company that pays students? i thought we as students do spend money on campus, right?
what’s your thought on this?