Kano mosque arsonist sentenced to death by hanging

A Kano Shariah court has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Shafiu Abubakar for his role in the tragic arson attack on a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, during early morning prayers, when Abubakar set the mosque ablaze, resulting in the deaths of 23 worshippers, 11 at the scene and 12 more succumbing to injuries at the hospital.

Abubakar was found guilty of four serious charges: culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing grievous injury, and mischief by fire. The court, led by Judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, emphasized the severity of the crime, sentencing him to death and ordering 100 lashes, followed by 50 additional lashes.

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In addition to the lashes, Abubakar was fined N1500 and his motorcycle was confiscated, with proceeds directed to repair the damaged mosque.

The case, which was initially filed with three charges of culpable homicide, was amended to four counts following further investigation.

The prosecution presented key witnesses, including the village head of Gadan, Abdulaziz Yahya, and a police officer, ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, who were crucial in bringing the case to trial.

Despite Abubakar’s guilty plea to the original charges, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the attack, which has left the community devastated and questioning the safety of places of worship.