An Upper Shariah Court in Kano State has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to de^th by h^nging for setting a mosque on fire while worshippers were engaged in early morning prayers in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on May 15, 2024, claiming the lives of 11 people on the spot, while 12 others succumbed to injuries during treatment at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
Abubakar was arraigned before the court on Monday, where presiding judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya found him guilty on all four charges brought against him.
According to the court, “The charges are culpable homicide, attempt to commit homicide, causing grievous injury and mischief by fire, contrary to the provisions of sections 143, 148 and 370 of Shari’a legal code of Kano State 2000.”
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed further penalties: “The court also ordered 100 and another 50 lashes and a fine of 1500 against the convict.”
The court also ruled on the convict’s property, stating, “It also ordered the forfeiture of his motorcycle to Kano State government, the proceeds of which should be used to repair the damaged mosque.”
Abubakar was initially arraigned by the Kano State Government on May 25, 2024, and pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of culpable homicide in relation to the 11 initial deaths.
However, an amended four-count charge was filed against him on July 4, 2024, following the death of more victims.
The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the trial, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to Gezawa Police Station.
