An upper Shariah court in Kano State has delivered a death sentence by hanging to Shafiu Abubakar for setting fire to worshippers inside a mosque in Gadan Village, located in Gezawa Local Government Area.
The tragic event took place during early morning prayers on May 15, 2024, when worshippers had gathered for devotion.
The fire led to a devastating loss of lives. Eleven people were reported dead at the scene, while twelve more victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.
The presiding judge, Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, ruled on the case this past Monday. Abubakar was found guilty on all four charges presented against him.
These included culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing grievous harm, and committing mischief through fire. These offenses are violations under sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code, established in 2000.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed corporal punishment and a monetary fine on the convict. He was ordered to receive 100 lashes for one offense and 50 lashes for another, along with a fine of N1,500.
The court also ordered the seizure of Abubakar’s motorcycle, which was to be sold. The proceeds from its sale are to be used to help restore the mosque that was damaged during the incident.
Abubakar had originally been arraigned on May 25, 2024, when he admitted guilt to an initial three-count charge related to the deaths of 11 individuals. However, prosecutors later amended the charges on July 4, 2024, increasing the counts to four after more deaths were recorded and further investigations were concluded.
Seven witnesses were called by the prosecution. Among them were Abdulaziz Yahya, the traditional leader of Gadan Village, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to Gezawa police station.
