An Upper Shariah Court in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for setting a mosque ablaze during early morning prayers in Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area. The tragic incident, which occurred on May 15, 2024, claimed the lives of 23 worshippers Grassroots Parrot reports.
According to court proceedings, 11 people died instantly in the inferno, while 12 others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Presiding over the case on Monday, Justice Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya found Abubakar guilty on a four-count charge which included culpable homicide, attempt to commit homicide, causing grievous injury, and mischief by fire. These offences are contrary to Sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law of 2000.
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In addition to the death sentence, the court ordered that Abubakar receive 100 lashes for culpable homicide, another 50 lashes for mischief by fire, and pay a fine of N1,500.
Furthermore, the convict’s motorcycle was ordered forfeited to the Kano State Government, with proceeds from its sale directed towards the repair of the damaged mosque.
Shafiu Abubakar was initially arraigned on May 25, 2024, on a three-count charge to which he pleaded guilty. However, following further investigation, an amended four-count charge was filed against him on July 4, 2024.
The prosecution called seven witnesses during the trial, including the village head of Gadan, Abdulaziz Yahya, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa of the Gezawa Police Division.