This appeal is against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, delivered on 22/3/2016, which affirmed the judgment of the High Court of Taraba State, Jalingo Judicial Division, delivered on 20/5/2014 convicting the appellant of the offence of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221(b) of the Penal Code and sentencing him to death.

The appellant was alleged to have stabbed one Shuaibu Ahmed on the ribs with a knife on 30th September, 2011 at about 7pm at Namnai Village in Gassol Local Government Area within Jalingo Judicial Division, which act resulted in his death. The appellant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution called one witness, Sgt. Danjuma Manga, one of the Investigating police officers. The extra Judicial statement of the appellant was tendered through him and marked Exhibit GA1. The appellant testified on his own behalf and called no other witness.

As stated above, at the conclusion of the trial the appellant was found guilty as charged and sentenced to death. The learned trial Judge relied heavily on the appellant's statement in reaching the guilty verdict. He considered and rejected the defence of provocation allegedly raised in the said statement.

His appeal to the lower Court was unsuccessful, hence the further appeal to this Court.