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Murder

Death Sentence Handed Down in Kano Mosque Arson Case

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Upper Shari'a Court in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death for the arson attack on a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 worshippers. The court, presided over by Judge Halhatu Huza'i Zakariya, found the defendant guilty of culpable homicide, attempted homicide, grievous injury, and arson. The court also ordered 150 lashes and a fine of N1500 against the convict, who will forfeit his Tricycle to the Kano State government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The court sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death for the arson attack on a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa, which resulted in the deaths of 12 worshippers.
  • The defendant was found guilty of culpable homicide, attempted homicide, grievous injury, and arson, in contravention of sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shari'a legal code.
  • The court ordered 150 lashes and a fine of N1500 against the convict, who will forfeit his Tricycle to the Kano State government.
  • The convicted Tricycle will be used to repair the damaged mosque.
  • Seven witnesses were presented by the prosecution, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to Gezawa Police station.
  • The court, however, discountenanced the testimonies of five witnesses.
  • Counsel for the convict pleaded with the court to transfer him to Kurmawa correctional facility.
  • The tragic event occurred on May 15, 2024, during early morning prayers at around 5:15 a.m., causing 11 immediate deaths.

Statistics:

  • 12 casualties resulted from the arson attack on the mosque.
  • 7 witnesses presented testimony for the prosecution.
  • 5 witnesses' testimonies were discountenanced by the court.
  • N1500 fine was imposed on the convict.
  • 150 lashes were ordered against the convict.
  • 1 Tricycle was forfeited to the Kano State government.

Sources:

  • Kano State Shari'a legal code
  • Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano State 2019 (Section 395, Subsection 2b)
  • Maliki school of Islamic law

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