Supreme Court Reviews Life Sentence for Attempted Robbery

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, on December 12, 2025, reviewed an appeal from a conviction for attempted robbery. The case originated from the High Court of Zamfara State, which sentenced the appellant to life imprisonment on January 19, 2014.

The appellant hired a commercial motorcyclist to take him to Unguwar Yerima in Gusau, where he attacked the motorcyclist with a cutlass in an attempt to steal the motorcycle. The attack was interrupted by the cries of the victim, leading to the appellant's apprehension.

During the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses and an extra-judicial statement from the appellant, which he later denied in his testimony. The trial court found that while the prosecution did not prove the completed robbery, it established attempted robbery beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the life sentence.

The Court of Appeal upheld this decision, prompting the appellant to appeal to the Supreme Court, which identified a key issue for determination.