Kano Mosque Arsonist Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Killing 23 Worshippers
Kano, Nigeria – May 26, 2025
An Upper Shari’a Court in Kano has sentenced 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for the arson attack on a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village, Gezawa Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of 23 worshippers during early morning prayers on May 15, 2024.
According to court proceedings, Abubakar, driven by a family dispute over inheritance, poured petrol inside the mosque during the dawn (Subhi) prayer, locked the doors, and set the building ablaze, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside. Initial reports indicated that 11 individuals died at the scene, while 12 others succumbed to their injuries at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
During the trial, Abubakar faced multiple charges, including culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, and mischief by fire, under sections 140, 148, 167, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law of 2000. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
The presiding judge, Halhalatu Zakariyya, confirmed the defendant’s mental fitness to stand trial before delivering the verdict. In addition to the death sentence, the court ordered Abubakar to receive 150 lashes for his crimes
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had previously expressed his commitment to justice in this case, stating his readiness to sign the death warrant if the court found Abubakar guilty. Following the incident, Governor Yusuf visited the injured victims at the hospital and provided financial assistance to support their recovery.
The attack devastated the local community, leaving 13 widows and rendering over 100 children orphaned. The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir, donated ₦3 million to support the victims’ families and pledged additional assistance to help them rebuild their lives
The attack shocked the local community and the nation, as it targeted individuals engaged in peaceful worship. Religious leaders and citizens alike condemned the act, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship and the need for justice.
The sentencing of Shafiu Abubakar brings a measure of closure to a tragic event that claimed 23 lives. It underscores the seriousness with which the Nigerian legal system treats acts of mass violence and the commitment of both judicial and governmental authorities to uphold justice
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