Court to deliver judgment in trial of Kano mosque arsonist August 1

An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano on Thursday, fixed August 1 to deliver judgment in a suit filed against Shafi’u Abubakar, 38, charged with setting a mosque on fire and killing 23 people.

Abubakar, who lives in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, is charged with s culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt and mischief by fire.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the offences contravened the provisions of sections 140, 148, 167 and 370 of Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Director Public Prosection, DPP, Kano State Ministry of Justice, Mr Salisu Tahir, informed the court that he filed a new charge against the defendant.

He urged the new charge to be read to the defendant.

Tahir alleged that on May 15, at about 5:15 am, the defendant poured petrol and set fire on a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village of Gezawa LGA of Kano State and locked the doors, trapping 23 worshippers in a burning fire during subhi (dawn) prayer.

He said that 23 people died while receiving medical attention at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano.

The prosecution also alleged that on the same date at about 5:15 am, the defendant attempted to kill Shu’aibu Ibrahim and Ibrahim Sani.

The defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges.

The defence counsel, Hasiya Muhammad-Imam, urged the court to temper Justice with mercy since the defendant did not stress the court because he admitted to the crime.

The presiding judge, Malam Halhalatu Zakariyya, asked the defendant if he was in his right senses when he took the guilty plea.

He adjourned the matter until August 1 and August 2, for judgment in the second and third charge and continuation of hearing.