In Kano State, an Upper Shariah Court has ordered the remand of Shafiu Abubakar Gadan for allegedly setting a mosque ablaze, resulting in the death of 14 worshippers.
The tragic incident took place during the early morning prayer on May 15, 2024, in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state. Many others were also injured in the fire.
The accused is facing charges for setting fire to both the mosque and several residents, causing severe injuries and loss of life.
During the court session, the prosecution, led by Kano State’s Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, presented three counts against the accused, including causing grievous harm and culpable homicide.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly used petrol to set the mosque in Gadan village on fire during the early morning prayer.
“The defendant poured the petrol on the carpet where Sani Suleiman and 24 others were praying, and closed the door,” Dederi said.
“In the process, several people sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment, while Suleiman and 13 others died while receiving treatment.”
Shafiu Abubakar Gadan pleaded guilty to the charges.
The prosecution said the case is a capital offence and urged the court to allow the defendant to get a lawyer to give him his constitutional right.
In response, the presiding judge, Malam Halhalatul Huza’i Zakariyya, ordered the accused to be remanded in a correctional facility.
The case has been adjourned to May 31, 2024.
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