Two Sentenced To Death For Murder In Plateau

A High Court in Plateau State has sentenced two individuals, Thomas Danboyi and Pam Lang, to death by hanging for their involvement in the killing of Chung Bot.

The verdict was delivered by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice David Gwong Mann, at the High Court in Jos on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

In the case State vs. Thomas Danboyi & Pam Lang (Charge No. PLD/J112C/2010), the court found the defendants guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offenses punishable under the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963 (as applicable to Plateau State).

According to the prosecution, led by Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice P.A. Daffi and a team of lawyers, the crime took place on April 26, 2010, at Tahai Gyel Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area.

The court heard that Chung Bot and his family had gone to their farmland in Ta Hei, Gyel, to cultivate when they were attacked by the accused, along with others who remain at large.

Evidence presented revealed that Thomas Danboyi restrained the victim by holding his hands behind his back while Pam Lang repeatedly struck him on the head with a stick. Bot was later rushed to Plateau Hospital, Jos, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Justice Mann stated that the evidence against the defendants was “overwhelming” and that the prosecution had proven “beyond any reasonable doubt” that they conspired to commit the crime and intentionally caused the victim’s death.

While the judge exercised discretion in sentencing them to three years in prison for criminal conspiracy, he had no such discretion in the culpable homicide charge, imposing the mandatory death sentence.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the prolonged legal process since the crime occurred in 2010.

The judgment is seen as a firm stance against violent crime and vigilante justice in Plateau State while reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice.

Legal experts note that the convicts have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. However, unless a higher court overturns the ruling, the sentence will be carried out as prescribed by law.