An upper Shariah court in Kano has sentenced Shafiu Abubakar to death by hanging for a deadly arson attack that claimed the lives of 23 worshippers at a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, when Abubakar set fire to the mosque during early morning prayers. Eleven people died immediately in the blaze, while 12 others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.

Judge Halhatu Huza'i Zakariya delivered the verdict on Monday, finding Abubakar guilty on all four charges brought against him under Kano State's 2000 Sharia legal code. The charges included culpable homicide, attempted homicide, inflicting grievous harm, and causing damage by fire, violating sections 143, 148, and 370 of the code.

In addition to the death sentence, the court ordered Abubakar to receive 150 lashes in total and pay a fine of 1,500 Naira. His motorcycle was also ordered forfeited to the Kano State government, with proceeds directed towards restoring the damaged mosque.

The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the trial, including Abdulaziz Yahya, the village head of Gadan, and ASP Abdullahi Sajoh Adamawa, a police officer stationed at Gezawa.

Abubakar was initially arraigned on May 25, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of culpable homicide linked to the deaths of the victims. The charges were later amended to four counts on July 4, 2024.

The case has drawn significant attention in Kano State, highlighting the serious application of Sharia law in criminal matters involving violent offenses against the community.