On Tuesday, the Kano State government presented four witnesses in an Upper Sharia Court against Shafiu Abubakar, the alleged arsonist. The case, overseen by Prosecution Counsel and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Tahir, involves charges of culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, and mischief by fire.
Abubakar, 38, faces these charges under sections 140, 148, 167, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000.
**Witness Testimonies:**
– **PW1, Abdulaziz Yahaya, 55**: Ward Head of Gadan Larabar Abasawa Village, Yahaya recounted being informed about a mosque fire on May 15, around 5:45 a.m. After arriving at the scene, he saw many people with burns and helped rush them to Sir Muhammad Sunusi Hospital Kano, later transferring them to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Despite efforts, 23 people died. Yahaya noted that Abubakar turned himself in to the Gezawa Police Division and was present at his own mosque during the incident.
– **PW3, Shu’aibu Ibrahim, 25**: Ibrahim testified that Abubakar used petrol to set the mosque on fire following the first raka’at of the morning prayer.
– **PW4, Ibrahim Salisu, 23**: Salisu described fleeing the mosque to seek help after the fire broke out.
During the court session, the defense counsel, Malam Hasiya Muhammad, cross-examined the witnesses. Judge Halhalatu Zakariyya adjourned the case until September 24, 2024, for further cross-examination.
Abubakar is accused of locking the door and igniting a mosque in the Gezawa area of Kano State while worshippers were performing their morning prayers, leading to the tragic deaths of 23 individuals.
