Kano Court Sentences Five to Death for Witchcraft Killing
A court in Nigeria’s Kano state has sentenced five men to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of a woman they accused of witchcraft. The case has sparked nationwide discussions about violence linked to unproven accusations of witchcraft, particularly in rural communities.
The convicted men brutally attacked 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar while she was working on her farm. They beat and stabbed her to death, acting on suspicions based on unfounded allegations.
Following the incident, Ms. Abubakar’s family reported the crime to the authorities. Law enforcement officials swiftly arrested the suspects in a village approximately 45 km (28 miles) from Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria.
Judge Usman Na’abba, delivering his verdict, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor, Abba Sorondiki, emphasised that he hoped the ruling would serve as a deterrent, discouraging others from making baseless accusations and resorting to vigilante justice.
During the trial, it was revealed that the murder stemmed from a dream experienced by the sick wife of one of the accused, Abdulaziz Yahaya. In her dream, Ms. Abubakar appeared, pursuing her with a knife. Yahaya, believing the dream to be a sign, organised a group to confront Ms. Abubakar, which led to her tragic murder.
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Sorondiki highlighted the uniqueness of this case, stating, “There have been similar cases like this, but this is the first time we are seeing up to five people sentenced to death for murder over wrongful witchcraft accusation.”
Musa Yahaya, the victim’s son, expressed his relief at the sentencing, saying, “I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother.” He described the day of her murder as the worst day of his life and welcomed the justice served by the court.
However, the defence lawyer, Ma’aruf Yakasai, announced plans to appeal the verdict, indicating that the legal battle may not be over yet.
While the five men have been sentenced to death, executions in Nigeria are rare. Most individuals on death row spend the rest of their lives in prison. This case, however, sets a precedent and highlights the need for addressing superstitious beliefs that lead to violent outcomes.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://thefreezonechannel.com/
