Three face fresh charges over murder of Kano woman, six children
Three Men Charged in High-Profile Kano Homicide Case
KANO, Nigeria — Three men have been charged with multiple crimes related to the deaths of a housewife and her six children in Kano. The suspects, identified as Umar Auwalu, 23, Isyaku Yakubu, 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, face a total of eight charges, including conspiracy, criminal trespass, robbery, culpable homicide, rape, arson, possession of dangerous weapons, and causing injuries.
The case stems from the tragic killing of 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters earlier this year. The suspects were initially arrested by the Kano State Police Command, which filed the case following intelligence gathering.
During a court session on Wednesday, Kano State Solicitor-General Salisu Muhammad-Tahir informed the magistrate that the state government had reviewed the case due to newly uncovered evidence. As a result, fresh charges have been filed in Kano State High Court 11, with the aim of ensuring justice for the victims.
Muhammad-Tahir noted that the crimes allegedly committed by the suspects breach several sections of the Penal Code relating to murder and associated offenses. He also indicated that additional arrests have been made in connection with the case, though the three defendants will remain the primary focus for the eight charges.
The Solicitor-General stated, “We have prepared and filed a charge, and the case was directed to State High Court 11 presided over by Justice Nasiru Saminu.” Initially, five suspects had been named in the case, including two others, Sama’ila Garba, who remains at large, and Umar Ali. However, charges against these additional suspects may be dropped based on legal counsel.
The prosecutor revealed that the defendants are slated to be formally arraigned in the High Court on April 1, 2026. He indicated that the previous case at the Magistrate’s Court would be discontinued following the suspects’ pleas.
Defense attorney A.S. Tunkuye expressed no objection to the transfer of the case to the High Court. Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf-Suleiman ordered that the suspects remain in custody and adjourned the hearing until April 8 for further proceedings.
