By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Shafiu Abubakar, the young and aggrieved mosque arsonist that killed several worshippers is to die by hanging, a Kano Upper Shariah Court ruled on Monday May 26,2025.
The Source reports that the convict had, on May 15, 2024, set ablaze a Mosque in Gadan village Gezawa Local Council of Kano during an early morning worship.
No fewer than 35 persons lost their lives in the incident. Others suffered serious injuries.
Abubakar took the action then to vent his frustration over an unjust sharing formula for family inheritance.
In anger, he poured petrol on the Mosque,locked up the about 40 worshippers inside ,before setting it on fire.
While 11 fatalities were recorded during the inferno, over 12 persons later succumbed to their injuries ,bringing the total number of deaths to about 35.
In addition to death by hanging, the convict is to receive 100 lashes of cane in the first installment.
That will be followed by another 50 strokes and a fine of N1,500. He is, also, to forfeit his motorcycle to the Kano State Authorities.
The proceed from the sales of the motorcycle is to be ploughed back as part of funds for the torched Mosque.
Halhatu, Huzai Zakariya ,the Judge, in his ruling found Abubakar guilty on all four count charges brought against him.
The charges as filed by the Kano state Government bordered on culpable homicide ,attempted homicide ,causing grievous bodily harm ,and mischief by fire.
The authorities argued that the offences contravened sections 143, 148 ,and 370 of the kano state Shariah legal code 2000 ,as amended.
The charges were filed on July 4, 2024, after Abubakar had pleaded guilty to the initial one count charge of culpable homicide brought against him on May 25 ,2024 .
During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses, including the traditional ruler of Gadan community .
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