Man Faces Judgment for Setting Mosque on Fire, Killing 23 Worshippers

A dramatic twist is expected in a case of alleged arson and murder at a mosque in Kano, Nigeria. An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano has fixed August 1 to deliver judgment in a suit filed against Shafi’u Abubakar, 38, who is charged with setting a mosque on fire, killing 23 people.

According to the prosecution, Mr. Abubakar, a resident of Gezawa Local Government in Kano, poured petrol and set fire on the mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village on May 15 at 5:15 a.m. The defendant allegedly locked the doors, trapping 23 worshippers in a burning fire during dawn prayer. The victims received medical attention at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano, where 23 people died.

The prosecution counsel, Salisu Tahir, Director Public Prosection, DPP, Kano State Ministry of Justice, filed a new charge against the defendant, urging the court to read it to the defendant. Mr. Tahir alleged that Mr. Abubakar attempted to kill Shu’aibu Ibrahim and Ibrahim Sani on the same date.

The defendant, Mr. Abubakar, pleaded guilty to all the charges. His defense counsel, Hasiya Muhammad-Imam, urged the court to temper justice with mercy since the defendant did not contest the charges and admitted to the crime.

The presiding judge, Halhalatu Zakariyya, asked the defendant if he was in his right senses when he took the guilty plea. He then adjourned the matter until August 1 and 2 for judgment in the second and third charge and continuation of the hearing.

The court’s decision is highly anticipated, and many are hoping for justice to be served for the victims and their families.