After three years of legal proceedings, two teenagers standing trial for the murder of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa have been found guilty of both murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The crime, committed in 2021, shocked the nation and led to an extensive investigation and trial.
The High Court delivered its final verdict, sentencing the second accused, Nicholas Kini, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to life in prison. However, the first accused, who was 15 when the crime occurred, has been referred to the juvenile court for sentencing, as the High Court lacks jurisdiction over minors.
Background of the Case
According to investigators, the first accused admitted during interrogation that the plan to kill the victim was inspired by a video of a spiritualist who promised wealth in exchange for GH¢5,000 and human blood. The first accused then contacted Nicholas Kini, who suggested they approach the spiritualist. Together, they plotted to kidnap and kill the boy.
On the day of the murder, the victim was lured to an uncompleted building under the pretense of receiving a game. Once there, he was struck on the head with a stick and cement blocks as he begged for mercy. The boy was buried alive, with a post-mortem revealing that suffocation was the cause of death.
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution’s case, which began in March 2023, included testimony from seven key witnesses. These witnesses included the victim’s father, family members of the first accused, and police officers involved in the investigation. A pathologist who performed the autopsy also testified.
The victim’s father recounted the day of the murder, explaining how he discovered his son’s body in an uncompleted building near their home. The first accused’s sister testified that she had seen her brother and Nicholas Kini at the same building earlier but was told to leave. Her report to their parents led to the discovery of the crime.
Testimonies from police officers confirmed that both accused individuals confessed to their involvement in the crime, with Kini admitting to striking the victim with a club.
Defense and Verdict
The first accused admitted his involvement, pleading guilty to conspiracy but not guilty to murder. Nicholas Kini, however, denied any involvement, claiming he was not at the crime scene and providing an alibi. The court found no evidence to support Kini’s alibi.
During the trial, the prosecution urged the jury to deliver a guilty verdict based on the strong evidence presented. In her summation, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo called on the jury to carefully consider the facts and uphold the nation’s conscience.
After deliberation, the seven-member jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding both teenagers guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Nicholas Kini has been sentenced to life imprisonment, while the juvenile court will determine the appropriate sentence for the first accused, given his age at the time of the crime.
