Kano Shariah Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging for Deadly Mosque Arson

A Kano Upper Shariah Court has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for setting fire to a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa LGA, during early morning prayers on May 15, 2024, an attack that ultimately claimed 23 lives.

Initially, 11 worshippers died on the spot, while 12 others later succumbed to injuries at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.

On Monday, May 26, the presiding judge, Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, found Abubakar guilty on all four charges: Culpable homicide, Attempted homicide, Grievous bodily harm, Mischief by fire.

These offenses are in violation of sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code (2000).

In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed: 100 lashes, A further 50 lashes, A fine of ₦1,500, and Forfeiture of Abubakar’s motorcycle to the Kano State government, with proceeds directed toward repairing the damaged mosque.

The Kano State government originally filed charges on May 25, to which Abubakar admitted guilt on three counts involving the initial 11 deaths. An amended four-count charge followed on July 4.

The prosecution called seven witnesses, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa from the Gezawa Police Station.

The case has drawn intense public attention due to the brutality of the attack and its impact on a religious community mid-worship.