Islamic teacher faces death penalty over rape of siblings

An Islamic teacher, Kamal Abdulmumini, has been arraigned before a Kano State High Court over allegations that he raped four sisters, including a set of twins, in the Ungogo Local Government Area of the state.

Abdulmumini, who teaches at Alhadid Nursery and Primary School, appeared before Justice Suleiman Baba Na Mallam on Tuesday to face the charges.

Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammad, who is also the Director of Public Prosecution in the Kano State Ministry of Justice, told the court that the defendant had sexual relations with the four siblings on different occasions in his office. He added that five witnesses were available to testify in support of the allegations.

The arraignment could not proceed after defence counsel, Barrister Nasir Abdurrahman, applied for access to documents and facilities relevant to the case, saying this was necessary to enable him prepare a proper defence for his client. The prosecution raised no objection to the application.

Justice Na Mallam subsequently directed the prosecution to release the requested materials to the defendant and adjourned the case to October 13 and 14, 2026, for arraignment and hearing.

Section 126 of the Kano State Penal Code defines the offence of rape, while Section 127 prescribes a punishment ranging from a minimum of 14 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, without an option of fine, for anyone convicted. Under the state’s Sharia Penal Code, however, a rape conviction carries the death penalty by stoning.