Kano court sentences man to death for murder of pregnant woman
Kano Man Sentenced to Death for Pregnant Woman’s Murder
A Kano State High Court has sentenced Shuaibu Abdulkadir to death by hanging after he was found guilty of murdering 22-year-old Rumaisa Shuaibu, who was pregnant at the time of her death.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Farida Dan Baffa on Friday, who determined that the prosecution had established the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Abdulkadir, a resident of Farawa in Kumbotso Local Government Area, faced a charge of culpable homicide, which is punishable by death under Section 221 of the Kano State Penal Code. He was arraigned before the court on August 23, 2025.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Barr. Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, presented evidence from three witnesses, including the victim’s husband, Ibrahim Muhammad, the defendant’s fiancée, Asiya Abdulmalik, and investigating officer ASP Chindo Chiwa. The evidence comprised video footage of the incident, a flash drive with electronic records, Abdulkadir’s written confession, English and Hausa transcripts of that confession, photographs of the victim, the knife allegedly used in the crime, and the defendant’s mobile phone.
Based on the evidence presented, the court convicted Abdulkadir of the murder of Rumaisa Shuaibu after she became pregnant with his child.
In a statement following the verdict, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN) called the conviction a significant milestone. He emphasized the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting criminal cases fairly and diligently.
Maude highlighted the ruling as a demonstration of the ministry’s dedication to protecting victims’ rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring accountability for offenders. He commended prosecutor Barr. Basiru Kabiru Aliyu for his professionalism throughout the trial and urged all state prosecutors to maintain integrity and competence in handling criminal cases. The Attorney General reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the prosecution of serious crimes in order to uphold justice in Kano State.
