Three prime suspects in the murder of a 35 years old Fatima Abubakar, and her six children at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano has been charged with fresh criminal charges.
The alleged killers include Umar Auwalu, 23, Isyaku Yakubu, 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21 now faced eight-counts charge of conspiracy, criminal trespass, robbery, culpable homicide, rape, mischief by fire, possession of dangerous weapons and inflicting injuries before Kano high court.
The defendants who are presently standing trial before a Chief Magistrates’ Court were being prosecuted by Kano police command who carried out their arrest, and filed their First Information Report after intelligent gathering.
At the resumed hearing of the criminal case on Wednesday, Kano state Solicitor- General Salisu Muhammad-Tahir, , informed the court the intent of the state to review the case diary considering additional evidence uncovered against the defendants.
Barrister Mohammad-Tahir subsequently notified the magistrate about the fresh criminal charges already filed before the State High Court 11 to secure justice for the seven victims.
While buttering his argument, the prosecution counsel disclosed that the suspects assumed to have committed murder and other related criminal tendencies, an offences that contravene sections 97, 221, 283, 298, 319, 336 and 348 of the Penal Code.
Although, the Solicitor- General revealed arrest of additional suspects in connection with the major offense, he posited that the prime suspects have case to answer in all the eight charges involving the murder of the housewife and her six children.
“We have prepared and filed a charge and the case was directed to state high court 11 presided over by Justice Nasiru Saminu. Even though in our legal advice it appears we have five suspects, which includes the three defendants and two others: Sama’ila Garba(at large) and Umar Ali.
“However in our advice the 4th and Fifth defendants, the charges should be terminated against them pursuant to section 376 of ACJL. Your Worship we have already taken a date before the state high Court to arraign the defendants on April 1, 2026.
“We shall be asking for another date to terminate the First Information Report(FIR) after taking their plea before the high court” prosecution counsel informed the Magistrate.
Defence counsel, Mr A.S. Tunkuye, told the court that he had no objection to the filing of the case before the State High Court.
The Chief Magistrate, Auwal Yusuf-Suleiman, ordered the remand of the defendants in a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until April 8, for further mention.
The tragic incident ensued in January 2026 when the killers invaded the private residence of the deceased in Dorayi Chiranci quarter in the city, slaughtered the mother, six children, including an infant child dumped in a well.
According to a resident, Isiyaka Yakubu, the entire community were thrown in mourning at the early hours of Saturday when a neighbor broke out of the victims house in loud noise, seeking neighbors help.
Operatives of Kano police command sooner confirmed the arrest of three suspects of brutal killings of a mother and her six children, less than 24 hours after the dastardly act in the ancient city.
The prime suspect already in the police net include Umar Auwalu, a 23 years old, said to be a nephew to late mother of six. Other accomplices apprehended in the murder are Isyaku Yakubu, ‘m’, AKA ‘Chebe’, 40 years old, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, ‘m’, AKA ‘Wawo’, 21 years old.
They were arrested during the sting operation directly supervised by Commissioner of police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori PhD. A statement by CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, police spokesperson said the suspects admitted to have responsible for the gruesome murder of the seven members of a family in Kano.
Pressure for Justice mounts as Governor Yusuf, Deputy Senate President urge speedy trial
Poised to restore public confidence Kano State Government, declared the taken over the prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of a mother and six children in the state.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, who announced the development at a press briefing on Monday.
The state Attorney General said the taken over of the matter by his office was on the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He said government considered the gravity of the incident and the need for decisive legal action and a transparent judicial process to restore public confidence.
He described the tragic incident as senseless act that has left the entire state in mourning, added that Governor Yusuf led administration will ensure justice is seen taken in the matter.
According to the Attorney General, the murder of the woman and her children constitutes a heinous and inhuman crime that offends both humanity and the rule of law.
The Commissioner for Justice noted that timely intervention of the police led to the arrest of suspects linked to the killings, describing their efforts as critical to the ongoing pursuit of justice.
He further assured residents of Kano State that no effort would be spared in ensuring accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to due process throughout the investigation and prosecution.
According to him, the government is committed to allowing the law to take its full course without interference, as he enjoined members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, despite the anger and grief generated by the incident.Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has commended the state police command for swift and professional response that led to the arrest of suspects involved in the brutal killings.
Governor Yusuf described the prompt action of the police as a clear demonstration of commitment and courage in protecting the lives and property of the people of Kano State.
Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the horrific incident, which claimed the lives of an innocent mother and her children, deeply saddened the state added that speedy intervention that led to arrest of suspects has restored public confidence.
He therefore assured his administration’s readiness to support the police and other security agencies to ensure criminals have no hiding place in Kano.
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