A Sharia court in Kano State has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for his role in a mosque fire that killed 23 worshippers.
The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, during early morning prayers at a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa local government area.
The fire initially claimed 11 lives, with an additional 12 victims later succumbing to their injuries at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
Abubakar faced charges of culpable homicide, attempted homicide, causing serious injury, and mischief by fire under Kano State’s Sharia law. On May 26, 2025, the court found him guilty of all charges.
In addition to the death sentence, Abubakar was ordered to receive 150 lashes in two rounds and pay a fine of 1,500.
The court also directed that his motorcycle be confiscated by the state government, with the proceeds from its sale to be used for the mosque’s repairs.
The case began in May 2024 when Abubakar pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of 11 people. The charges were subsequently updated in July 2024 to include additional counts.
During the trial, the prosecution presented seven witnesses, including the village head and a police officer from Gezawa police station.
STARNEWS
