Kano Court Orders Remand of Suspects in Heinous Family Murder Case
A Chief Magistrates' Court in Kano State has taken decisive action in a shocking criminal case that has gripped the community. On Thursday, the court ordered the remand of three men accused of perpetrating a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of a housewife and her six children.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The defendants facing these serious allegations are Umar Auwalu, aged 23 from Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, aged 40 from Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, aged 21 from Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters. They appeared before the court to answer an eight-count charge that paints a disturbing picture of criminal activity.
The charges brought against them include conspiracy, criminal trespass, robbery, culpable homicide, rape, mischief by fire, possession of dangerous weapons, and inflicting injuries. According to the prosecution led by Kano State Attorney General Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, these offences allegedly occurred on January 17, 2026, at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano.
Prosecution's Account of Events
Prosecutor Maude presented a harrowing narrative to the court. He alleged that Umar Auwalu, who is reportedly the nephew of the deceased housewife Fatima Abubakar, conspired with the other defendants to unlawfully enter the victim's residence. During this violent intrusion, the prosecution claims the defendants murdered Fatima Abubakar along with her six children.
In a particularly disturbing revelation, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants were allegedly involved in a similar incident in November 2025. During that previous attack at Tudun Yola Quarters in Kano, two housewives were reportedly attacked, robbed, killed, and their bodies set ablaze.
Legal Proceedings and Related Case
The prosecution emphasized that the alleged offences contravene multiple sections of the Penal Code, specifically Sections 97, 221, 283, 298, 319, 336, and 348. In a related development during the same court session, the magistrate also ordered the remand of one Umar Ali. This individual stands accused of collecting the eyes of a nine-year-old girl, which were allegedly removed by the first defendant after she was raped.
All defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Defense counsel A. S. Tunkuye made an application pursuant to Section 36(5)(c) of the Constitution, urging the court to direct the Attorney General to provide the defense with necessary facilities and access to the case diary records. This request aims to ensure proper preparation for the upcoming trial.
Court's Ruling and Next Steps
Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf-Suleiman delivered the court's ruling, ordering that all defendants be remanded in a correctional facility. The magistrate further directed the prosecution to make available all necessary case materials to the defense team to facilitate proper trial preparation.
The case has been adjourned to March 11, 2026, for further mention. This development represents a significant step in the judicial process addressing what appears to be a series of violent crimes that have deeply affected the Kano community. The court's actions demonstrate the legal system's commitment to thoroughly investigating these serious allegations while ensuring due process for all parties involved.
