The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano has set August 1 for delivering its judgment in the case against Shafi’u Abubakar, 38, who is charged with setting a mosque on fire and causing the deaths of 23 people.
Abubakar, from Gezawa Local Government Area in Kano, faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous harm, and mischief by fire, in violation of sections 140, 148, 167, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000.
During the court proceedings, Salisu Tahir, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Ministry of Justice, presented a new charge against Abubakar and requested that it be read aloud.
Tahir alleged that on May 15, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Abubakar sprayed petrol on a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village, Gezawa, set it ablaze, and locked the doors, trapping 23 worshippers inside during the dawn prayer. All 23 victims later died while receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Additionally, the prosecution claimed that Abubakar attempted to kill Shu’aibu Ibrahim and Ibrahim Sani on the same day and time.
Abubakar has pleaded guilty to all charges. His defense counsel, Hasiya Muhammad-Imam, requested the court to show mercy, highlighting that Abubakar’s admission of guilt had streamlined the court process.
Presiding Judge Halhalatu Zakariyya confirmed that Abubakar was of sound mind when he entered his guilty plea. The court has adjourned the case to August 1 and 2 for judgment on the second and third charges and to continue the hearing.
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