Mr. Saber Abu Sam, a 42-year-old Sudanese trader who was sentenced to death during the court ruling in Aweil on 30th May 2022 - Courtesy

Saber Abu Sam, a Sudanese trader convicted to death for the rape and murder of a five-year-girl in Aweil of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, has been executed in a proceeding witnessed by the state governor and the victim’s family.

On May 1, 2022, Abu Sam was found guilty in the defilement, murder, and dumping of toddler Abuk Lual in a pit latrine—a gruesome crime that sparked condemnations and whose trial was closely monitored across the country.

Aweil High Court then convicted the then 42-year-old trader to death by hanging – and his associate Omer Mohamed Omer – to five years in jail for harboring the convict.

The sentences were upheld by an appeals court in September 2022, and the convicts were transferred to Wau Central Prison, a maximum security facility. The second associate, Omer Mohamed, was acquitted on charges of trying to conceal the crimes.

Meanwhile, the office of NBGs governor Simon Ober Mawut said in a statement Wednesday that Abu Sam was executed by hanging at 2:pm at Wau Central Prison.

The execution was carried out by Molana Yai Anyoun in the presence of Governor Mawut, the victim’s parents, prison officials and judicial representatives.

Following the execution, Governor Mawut announced that Saber Abu Sam “had been put to death by hanging and expressed relief that justice has been done for the soul of innocent late Abuk Lual.”

“I want to confirm to the general public that finally justice has been served to our departed angel,” the governor said.

“This clearly shows that our laws are indeed supreme. I witnessed the execution being implemented by two judges. The case has finally been brought to an end with the execution.”

Meanwhile, the family of late Abuk Lual reportedly appreciated the Governor for his efforts and engagements with concerned authorities to ensure that justice was served.

A prosecution lawyer who witnessed the execution also confirmed the execution on Wednesday, saying “judgment has taken the right path of the law.”

Meanwhile, the family of late Abuk Lual, appreciated the Governor for his efforts and engagements with concerned authorities to ensure that justice was served.