Jos, Nigeria — Thomas Danboyi and Pam Lang have been sentenced to death by hanging by a Plateau State High Court for their involvement in the 2010 murder of Chung Bot. The sentencing, delivered on Wednesday, marks the conclusion of a decade-long legal battle.
Chief Judge David Gwong Mann ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Danboyi and Lang had conspired to kill Bot.
“The evidence before this court is conclusive and leaves no room for doubt,” said Justice Mann. “The defendants are found guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.”
The crime took place on April 26, 2010, when Danboyi, Lang, and others still at large attacked Bot and his family while they were working on their farm in Tahai Gyel Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. According to witnesses, Danboyi restrained the victim, while Lang repeatedly struck him on the head with a stick. Bot was later rushed to Plateau Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
During the trial, the defense argued for leniency, claiming the convicts were responsible family men with good conduct. However, the court upheld the mandatory death sentence for culpable homicide. In a partial concession, the judge sentenced the duo to three years in prison for conspiracy, as opposed to the maximum penalty.
The case has attracted significant public attention, with many seeing the verdict as a stern message against violent crime.
Both Danboyi and Lang have the right to appeal the ruling, but unless overturned by a higher court, the death sentence will stand.
