Kano Court Sentences 5 To Death For Killing Woman Over Witchcraft Allegation
A Kano State High Court on Monday sentenced five men to death by hanging for the murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, whom they accused of being a witch.
The convicted individuals — Da’luta Ibrahim, Abdulaziz Yahaya, Faisal Yahaya, Ibrahim Abdu, and Ayuba Abdulrahman — were found guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the brutal attack that occurred on November 15, 2023, in Dadin Kowa Village, Wudil local government area of Kano State.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Usman Na’abba ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He sentenced the five defendants to death by hanging for their roles in the killing and acquitted the sixth defendant, Nabi’a Ibrahim, as there was insufficient evidence to implicate her in the attack.
According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the five men conspired to attack Dahare after accusing her of witchcraft. They followed her to her farm and stabbed her to death with dangerous weapons around 8:30 am.
Dahare was rushed to Wudil General Hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
To support its case, the prosecution presented four witnesses and two exhibits, including statements from the defendants and a medical report.
Despite the defense’s attempt to exonerate the accused by presenting eight witnesses, the court found the defendants’ testimonies unconvincing. Consequently, the court upheld the charge of culpable homicide and delivered the death sentence.
