An Upper Shariah Court sitting in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for his role in a deadly arson attack on worshippers at a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred during early morning prayers on May 15, 2024, resulted in the deaths of 23 people.
The court, presided over by Judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, delivered the judgment on Monday, finding Abubakar guilty on all four charges brought against him: culpable homicide, attempted homicide, inflicting grievous harm, and causing damage by fire — all in violation of Sections 143, 148, and 370 of Kano State’s 2000 Sharia legal code.
According to reports from Hobnob News Nigeria, the attack began when Abubakar set fire to the mosque while worshippers were engaged in the Fajr (dawn) prayers. Eleven individuals died on the scene, with twelve others later succumbing to their injuries at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
In addition to the capital sentence, the court ordered that Abubakar receive 100 lashes for grievous harm, another 50 lashes for attempted homicide, and pay a fine of ₦1,500. His motorcycle, reportedly used in the attack, was forfeited to the Kano State government, with its proceeds directed towards the restoration of the damaged mosque.
Abubakar was initially arraigned on May 25, 2024, and pleaded guilty to three counts of culpable homicide linked to the deaths of the first 11 victims. The charges were later amended to four counts on July 4, 2024, following further investigation and the additional deaths.
The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the trial, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer attached to the Gezawa division.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Nigeria, with many viewing the verdict as a landmark ruling under the Sharia legal system. Community leaders have called for increased vigilance and support for victims’ families, while some legal observers noted the swift progression of the case as indicative of a strong stance against violent crimes within religious spaces.
