An Upper Shariah Court sitting in Kano has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Shafiu Abubakar, the man responsible for the horrifying arson attack that claimed the lives of 23 worshippers during morning prayers at a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on May 15, 2024, when Abubakar set the mosque ablaze during Fajr (dawn) prayers. He reportedly locked the doors from the outside, leaving worshippers trapped inside as the fire engulfed the building. Eleven worshippers were declared dead on the spot, while twelve others succumbed to their injuries at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
Court Delivers Justice
The court, presided over by Judge Halhatu Huza’i Zakariya, found Abubakar guilty on four counts, including culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing grievous harm, and mischief by fire. These charges fall under Sections 143, 148, and 370 of the Kano State Shariah Penal Code (2000).
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Alongside the death sentence, the court imposed a total of 150 lashes and a fine of ₦1,500. Additionally, the convict’s motorcycle was forfeited to the state government, with the proceeds directed toward the renovation of the damaged mosque.
Abubakar’s Confession and Trial
Initially arraigned on May 25, 2024, Abubakar confessed to killing 11 people and pleaded guilty to the original three-count charge. However, an amended four-count charge was filed against him on July 4, 2024, reflecting the rising death toll and severity of the crime.
During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses to testify, including the village head of Gadan, Abdulaziz Yahya, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa from the Gezawa Police Division. Their testimonies helped establish a compelling case against the defendant.
A Stark Reminder of Tragedy
The mosque fire in Gezawa has left the community in deep mourning and sent shockwaves across the nation. The court’s verdict is seen by many as a step toward justice for the lives lost in this unimaginable act of violence.
Related Incident: Mosque Attack in Kaduna
In a separate attack last year, suspected bandits stormed a mosque in Saya-Saya Village, Ikara LGA, Kaduna State, killing seven worshippers during Isha’i (evening) prayers on September 1, 2023. Five were killed inside the mosque, and two others were gunned down at different locations in the village. Local authorities confirmed that the head of the village vigilante group was among the deceased.