Kano High Court Delivers Death Sentence for Brutal Murder of Newly Married Man
A Kano State High Court has handed down a death sentence to two men convicted of the brutal killing of a newlywed groom, Yazid Haruna, in a shocking case of armed robbery and homicide. The convicts, Aliyu Hussaini and Amir Zakariyya, were sentenced to death by hanging for their roles in the fatal attack that occurred in the early hours of June 11, 2025.
Details of the Crime and Court Proceedings
The prosecution, led by counsel Mr. Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, presented evidence that the defendants conspired and armed themselves with long knives and a machete before attacking Haruna at Sheka Sabuwar Abuja Quarters in Kano. At approximately 2:47 a.m., they robbed the victim of two mobile phones and N19,500, then fatally stabbed him, resulting in multiple injuries that led to his death.
During the trial, the prosecution called three witnesses and submitted medical reports to substantiate the charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. The defendants, residents of Sheka Sabuwar Abuja Quarters and Unguwar Malam Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area, denied the allegations. Defence counsel Mr. Haruna Saleh-Zakariyya presented the accused to testify in their own defence and appealed for leniency from the court.
Judgment and Judicial Remarks
In her judgment delivered on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. She condemned the defendants' actions as inhuman and expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of phone-related robberies in Kano State.
The court imposed the following sentences:
- One year imprisonment for conspiracy.
- Life imprisonment for armed robbery.
- Death by hanging for culpable homicide.
Justice Adamu-Aliyu emphasized that the severity of the penalties reflects the gravity of the offences, which violate Sections 97(1), 298(c), and 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Kano State.
Previous Conviction of the Defendants
In a related development, the court noted that the same convicts had previously been sentenced to death by hanging on October 20, 2025, by another Kano State High Court for killing a lecturer after robbing him of his mobile phone. This prior conviction underscores a pattern of violent criminal behavior linked to phone thefts in the region.
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting ongoing security challenges and the judicial system's efforts to address violent crimes in Kano. The sentencing serves as a stern warning against such heinous acts, particularly those targeting innocent citizens during robberies.
