Kano Shariah Court Sentences Man to Death for Mosque Arson Attack
An Upper Shariah Court in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for setting fire to worshippers during early morning prayers at a mosque in Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on May 15, 2024, while worshippers were observing dawn prayers. Eleven people died on the spot, while 12 others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
During his arraignment on Monday, the presiding judge, Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, found Abubakar guilty on all four counts brought against him. The charges included culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing grievous injury, and mischief by fire—offences which contravene Sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shariah Penal Code Law 2000.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed 100 and 50 lashes respectively for some of the offences, as well as a fine of ₦1,500. The court further ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s motorcycle to the Kano State Government, directing that the proceeds from its sale be used to repair 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 victims, to which he pleaded guilty. An amended four-count charge was later filed on July 4, 2024.
The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the trial, including the village head of Gadan, Abdulaziz Yahya, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to the Gezawa Police Division.
