A Kano State High Court has sentenced two men to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of a 35-year-old housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano State.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Nasiru Saminu of the Kano State High Court, sitting at Court 11, following the conclusion of proceedings in the case involving the killing of the seven family members.
The convicts were identified as Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, and Yakubu Daiyebu, 21, of Sabon Gida, Sharada Quarters, Kano.
Court Finds Two Men Guilty of Culpable Homicide
In his judgment, Justice Saminu found the two defendants guilty of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
The court subsequently sentenced both men to death by hanging for their involvement in the killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children.
They were also sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour for conspiracy to commit culpable homicide and armed robbery.
The judge described the incident as one of the most horrifying crimes in the history of criminal justice, expressing deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the innocent victims.
How the Tragedy Happened
The tragic incident occurred on January 17, 2026, at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano.
According to the account presented during the proceedings, the attackers gained access to the family’s residence after the deceased housewife willingly opened the door for the first convict, unaware of the deadly intentions behind his visit.
The attackers subsequently launched a brutal assault that claimed the lives of the woman and her six children.
The incident generated widespread outrage and condemnation, particularly because the victims included six innocent children who lost their lives alongside their mother.
Judge Expresses Sympathy for Surviving Husband
Delivering his judgment, Justice Saminu expressed sympathy for Haruna Bashir, the husband of the deceased woman and father of the six children.
The judge acknowledged the devastating emotional and psychological consequences of losing an entire family under such tragic circumstances.
He observed that no court judgment could bring back the deceased or adequately compensate the surviving family for the enormous loss.
In describing the magnitude of the tragedy, the judge emphasised that seven lives had been lost and seven human destinies permanently extinguished.
He stressed that the court had a responsibility to administer justice based on the law and evidence rather than emotions or public pressure.
Third Defendant Discharged and Acquitted
The court also addressed the position of the third defendant, Isyaku Yakubu, aged 40, who had been involved in the proceedings.
Justice Saminu discharged and acquitted him, distinguishing his position from that of the two defendants found guilty and sentenced to death.
Meanwhile, the first convict reportedly pleaded for leniency after admitting guilt, while the second defendant maintained his denial of the allegations.
Court Cites Legal and Moral Responsibility
The judge emphasised that the severity of the crime required the court to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
He also cited Quran 5:45, which addresses the principle of life for life, while explaining the gravity of taking innocent human lives.
Justice Saminu maintained that the court’s responsibility was not to pursue vengeance but to ensure that justice was administered in accordance with established legal principles.
Public Reaction and Implications
The sentencing is expected to bring some measure of relief to members of the surviving family and residents who had followed the case since the shocking incident occurred.
The killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children remains one of the deeply disturbing criminal incidents to have attracted public attention in Kano State in 2026.
The judgment also sends a strong message about the consequences of violent crimes, particularly offences involving the deliberate taking of innocent lives.
With two defendants now sentenced to death by hanging and life imprisonment with hard labour for the additional offences, the case represents a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the murdered family.
The tragic loss of seven family members has left a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime and the importance of protecting innocent lives.
Source-based report: Judgment delivered by Justice Nasiru Saminu, Kano State High Court, Court 11, November 2026.