Kano Court Detains Three Suspects in Fatal Attack on Housewife and Her Six Children

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano has ordered the detention of three individuals suspected of involvement in the killings of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters.

The accused, identified as Umar Auwalu, aged 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, 40, of Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, face a total of eight charges. These include conspiracy, criminal trespass, robbery, culpable homicide, rape, mischief by fire, possession of weapons, and inflicting injuries.

The Kano State Prosecutor and Attorney General, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, informed the court that the alleged offenses occurred on January 17, 2026, at the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters. According to the prosecution, Auwalu, the nephew of the deceased housewife, allegedly colluded with the other defendants to illegally enter the victim's residence.

Maude further stated that the defendants are also suspected of a similar incident in November 2025, where two women were reportedly attacked, robbed, killed, and their bodies set on fire in Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.

The prosecution contended that these actions contravene various sections of the Penal Code, including 97, 221, 283, 298, 319, 336, and 348.

In a related development, the court also ordered the detention of a fourth individual, Umar Ali, who is accused of collecting the eyes of a nine-year-old girl. The prosecution alleges that the girl was raped and her eyes removed by the first defendant.

All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges presented against them.

Counsel for the defendants, A. S. Tunkuye, submitted an application under Section 36(5)(c) of the constitution, requesting the Attorney General to provide necessary case documents and facilities to aid in trial preparation.

Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf-Suleiman ordered that the defendants be held in a correctional facility. He also instructed the prosecution to furnish the defense with all relevant case materials.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 11, 2026.