Court sentences man to death for murdering pregnant woman

A Kano State High Court has sentenced Shuaibu Abdulkadir to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering a 22-year-old pregnant woman, Rumaisa Shuaibu.

Justice Farida Dan Baffa delivered the judgment on Friday, ruling that the prosecution established the offence of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.

Abdulkadir, who resides in Farawa, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned on August 23, 2025, on a one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Kano State Penal Code.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Barrister Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, presented three witnesses, including the deceased’s husband, Ibrahim Muhammad, the defendant’s fiancée, Asiya Abdulmalik, and the investigating police officer, ASP Chindo Chiwa.

The prosecution also tendered several exhibits, including a video of the incident, a flash drive containing electronic evidence, the defendant’s confessional statement, English and Hausa transcripts of the confession, photographs of the deceased, the knife allegedly used in the killing and the defendant’s mobile phone.

After reviewing the evidence, the court held that Abdulkadir was responsible for the death of Rumaisa, whom the prosecution said became pregnant for him, and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Reacting to the verdict, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to ensure effective prosecution of criminal cases.

He said the judgment reflected the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to protecting victims’ rights, upholding the rule of law and ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Maude commended the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, for his diligence and professionalism throughout the trial.

He also urged state prosecutors to continue handling criminal cases with integrity, fairness and competence, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the prosecution of serious crimes in the interest of justice and public safety.