The Kano State government presented four witnesses on Tuesday in the case against Shafiu Abubakar, who faces charges of arson, culpable homicide, attempted murder, and grievous hurt. The charges stem from an incident in which Abubakar allegedly set fire to a mosque in the Gezawa area of Kano, leading to the deaths of 23 worshippers.
The prosecution, led by Salisu Tahir, Director of Public Prosecution at the Kano State Ministry of Justice, brought witnesses before the Upper Sharia court. The first witness, Abdulaziz Yahaya, a local village leader, recounted being informed about the mosque fire on May 15 and assisting in transporting burn victims to the hospital, where 23 later died.
Another witness, Shu’aibu Ibrahim, testified that Abubakar used petrol to start the fire after the first raka’at prayer. Ibrahim Salisu, another witness, described how he fled the mosque to seek help during the attack.
The defense counsel, Malam Hasiya Muhammad, cross-examined the witnesses. The case was adjourned until September 24, 2024, for further cross-examination. Abubakar allegedly locked the mosque doors after spraying petrol, trapping over 30 worshippers inside.