JUST IN: Court sentences man to death for deadly mosque attack

An Upper Shariah Court in Kano State has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for the horrific arson attack that claimed the lives of 23 worshippers in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area.

The tragic incident occurred during early morning prayers on May 15, 2024, when Abubakar set the mosque ablaze, trapping congregants inside.

Eleven people died instantly, while twelve others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.

The court found Abubakar guilty of intentional homicide and terrorism, condemning the act as heinous and premeditated. The judgment brings a legal close to one of the most devastating acts of mass violence in recent memory in the state.

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When Abubakar was arraigned in court, on Monday, the presiding judge, Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, found him guilty on all the four-count charge filed against him.

The charges are culpable Homicide ,attempt to commit homicide, causing grievous injury and mischief by fire, contrary to the provisions of sections 143,148 and 370 of Shari’a legal code of Kano State 2000.

The court also ordered 100 and another 50 lashes and a fine of 1500 against the convict.

It also ordered the forfeiture of his Motorcycle to Kano State government the proceeds of which should be used to repair the damaged mosque.

Kano State government had arraigned Abubakar on May 25, 2024, but he pleaded guilty to the initial three-count charge of culpable homicide that led to the deaths of 11 people.

An amended 4-count charge was filed against him on July 4, 2024.

The prosecution presented 7 witnesses. including Abdulaziz Yahya, the Village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to Gezawa police station.