Kano mosque: Court sentences Arsonist to death by hanging

An Upper Shariah Court in Kano State has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for setting fire to a mosque in Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of 23 worshippers.

The tragic incident occurred on May 15, 2024, during early morning prayers.

Eleven worshippers died instantly, while twelve others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.

During the court proceedings on Monday, presiding judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya found Abubakar guilty on all four counts filed against him: culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing grievous injury, and mischief by fire.

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These offences are in violation of Sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law of 2000.

In addition to the death sentence, the court ordered Abubakar to receive 150 lashes—100 for one count and 50 for another—and imposed a fine of N1,500.

Furthermore, the court directed that his motorcycle be forfeited to the Kano State Government, with proceeds from its sale to be used for repairs to the damaged mosque.

The Kano State Government initially arraigned Abubakar on May 25, 2024, on a three-count charge related to the deaths of 11 people. He pleaded guilty.

However, on July 4, 2024, an amended four-count charge was filed, expanding the case.

The prosecution called seven witnesses, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the Village Head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa of the Gezawa Police Division.