Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has vowed to sign a death warrant for Shafiu Abubakar if he is convicted of murder in the mosque explosion at Gadan village, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.
Abubakar was arrested after setting the local mosque ablaze on Wednesday during early morning prayers, leaving 24 members of a family with critical burns.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command has reported that a total of 17 people have so far lost their lives in the callous act of arson.
Governor Yusuf issued the threat on Monday when he paid a sympathy visit to the remaining surviving victims of the mosque explosion at Murtala Specialists Hospital. He explained that the government will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion.
Additionally, the governor disclosed that the incident had nothing to do with terrorism or political violence, contrary to negative insinuations. He insisted the act was purely a devilish act by Abubakar, who failed to channel his grievance with family members in a lawful manner.
The governor explained that Abubakar would be taken to Shariah Court to face the consequences of his actions, adding that the government would not hesitate to carry out the court’s decision on the matter.
“The act is callous and devilish. But the government will ensure justice for the victims, both those already dead and those who are still alive. Abubakar will be taken to Sharia court, and the government will not hesitate to implement the outcome of the court.
“Let me also make this clear that what has happened has nothing to do with terrorism or political violence. It is purely a family affair and a failure of the culprit to follow due process while demanding his inheritance,” Governor Yusuf said.
Meanwhile, an Upper Shariah court in Kano has remanded the principal suspect in the mosque killings, Abubakar, in prison.
Arraigned before Shariah court Judge Halhalatu Zakariya on Monday, Kano state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Hon. Haruna Isa Dederi brought the suspect on three counts of mischief by fire, causing grievous hurt, and culpable homicide.
Although the suspect pleaded guilty as charged, the court adjourned the criminal matter for lack of defense counsel.
Shariah Judge Zakariya directed the state Attorney General to provide the suspect with legal representation before the next adjourned date, slated for May 31, 2024.
