A Kano Upper Sharia Court has sentenced a man, Abubakar, to death by hanging for setting fire to a mosque during early morning prayers, resulting in the deaths of 23 worshippers and leaving several others severely injured.
In addition to the death sentence, the court ordered that Abubakar receive 150 lashes—100 for mischief by fire and 50 for causing grievous harm. He was also fined ₦1,500.
The tragic incident occurred on May 15, 2024, at Gadan Larabar Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area. Abubakar faced multiple charges, including culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, and arson, in violation of Sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Sharia Penal Code of 2000.
During the proceedings, the prosecution revealed that 11 victims died at the scene, while 12 others succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
Presiding Judge, Justice Halhatu Huza’i Zakariyya, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the defendant’s confessional statement, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence—including burn injuries on the accused’s hand—as compelling.
“This court finds the defendant guilty of this cruel and calculated attack on innocent worshippers. Setting a place of worship on fire during prayers is a heinous crime against humanity,” the judge declared.
The court also ordered the sale of Abubakar’s tricycle, with proceeds directed toward the rebuilding of the mosque.
Seven witnesses, including the village head of Gadan, Abdulaziz Yahya, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa of Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters, testified during the trial.
In response to the tragedy, the Kano State Government approved ₦151.9 million for the reconstruction of the destroyed mosque and an adjacent Islamiyya school.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who visited the injured victims in hospital, condemned the attack as a deeply personal dispute—not linked to terrorism or politics—and assured the public that justice had been served.
“This was a senseless act of violence. We are committed to ensuring that the affected community is supported and such a tragedy never happens again,” the governor stated.
