A Kano Upper Shariah Court sitting in Rijiyar Zaki has scheduled August 1, 2024 as the date for delivery of its judgment on the second and third charges against the alleged mosque arsonist, Shafiu Abubakar.
LEADERSHIP reports that 38-year-old Shafi’u Abubakar from Gadan Village in Gezawa local government area of Kano State is accused of setting fire to a mosque.
The incident occurred during the dawn prayer (subhi) on May 15, when Abubakar allegedly doused the mosque’s carpet with petrol and ignited it, subsequently closing the door to prevent the escape of worshippers which led to the death of 23 people.
In addition to the fatalities, other worshippers sustained injuries and were treated at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.
During the last court session, the Prosecution Counsel, Barrister Salisu Tahir, representing the Kano State Ministry of Justice, requested permission to file new charges reflecting the exact number and names of the victims.
Abubakar currently faces four charges bordering on culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, and mischief by fire in relation to Sections 143, 148, 167, and 370 of Kano State Sharia Law 2000.
During Thursday’s hearing, Abubakar pleaded guilty to all charges.
His defense counsel, Barrister Asiya Muhammad Imam from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, pleaded for leniency, acknowledging his admission of guilt.
Presiding Judge Malam Halhalatul Huza’i Zakariyya has adjourned the case until August 1 for judgment on the second and third charges, and August 2 for hearings on the first and fourth charges.