Kano mosque arson: Defendant has no psychiatric history, brother tells in court

An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano State commenced hearing on Tuesday in the case of Shafiu Abubakar, who is accused of setting a mosque ablaze, resulting in the death of over 20 people. The defendant, a resident of Gezawa Local Government, Kano, allegedly set the mosque on fire, leading to the death of 23 people. […]

An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano State commenced hearing on Tuesday in the case of Shafiu Abubakar, who is accused of setting a mosque ablaze, resulting in the death of over 20 people.

The defendant, a resident of Gezawa Local Government, Kano, allegedly set the mosque on fire, leading to the death of 23 people.

Shafiu faces four charges: culpable homicide, attempted murder, grievous harm and arson.

These offences contravene sections 140, 148, 167, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law of 2000.

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Abubakar pleaded guilty to all charges.

Abubakar on May 15, around 5:15 am, allegedly poured petrol and set fire to a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village, Gezawa LGA, trapping 23 worshippers observing the Fajr (dawn) prayer.

The victims, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital for treatment but later died from their injuries.

The prosecution, led by Salisu Tahir, Director of Public Prosecution at the Kano State Ministry of Justice, presented three witnesses, including the village head, the defendant’s brother and two survivors of the fire.

Aminu Abubakar, the defendant’s brother, testified that the defendant had no history of psychiatric issues.

He recalled an incident when the defendant injured their uncles, prompting the family to take him to Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital, where he was tested and found negative for any mental illness.

Aminu further explained that their mother sold her farm for N350,000 to help the defendant start a business, which led him to purchase a Keke Napep (tricycle), a venture he was managing well before the incident.

The defence counsel, Hasiya Muhammad-Imam, cross-examined the witnesses, and the prosecution requested additional time to present more witnesses.

Presiding Judge Malam Halhalatul Huza’i Zakariyya adjourned the case until September 24.4 die, 8 injured in Ogun road accident