An upper Shariah court in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for setting fire to worshippers during prayers at a mosque in Gadan Village, located in the Gezawa local government area of the state.
The attack occurred on the morning of May 15, 2024, while the victims were engaged in their early morning prayers.
The fire resulted in the immediate death of 11 individuals, with 12 more succumbing to their injuries later at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
During Monday’s court session, Judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya found Abubakar guilty on all four charges brought against him.
The charges include culpable homicide, attempted homicide, inflicting grievous harm, and causing damage by fire, violating sections 143, 148, and 370 of Kano State’s 2000 Sharia legal code.
In addition to the death sentence, the court mandated that Abubakar receive 100 lashes, another 50 lashes, and pay a fine of 1,500. His motorcycle was ordered forfeited to the Kano State government, with proceeds directed towards restoring the damaged mosque.
Abubakar was initially arraigned on May 25, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of culpable homicide linked to the deaths of 11 victims. The charges were later amended to four counts on July 4, 2024.
The prosecution called seven witnesses to testify, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer stationed at Gezawa.
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