A Kano Upper Shariah Court is set to deliver its verdict today (Monday) in the high-profile trial of Shafiu Abubakar Gadan, accused of setting fire to a mosque during early morning prayers in Gezawa Local Government Area, Kano State, on May 16, 2024.
The tragic incident claimed 17 lives on the spot, with the death toll rising to 25 in the days that followed as several victims succumbed to severe burn injuries.
Gadan had previously pleaded guilty to charges of culpable homicide and causing grievous harm. He has been remanded in a correctional facility by the presiding judge, Khadi Dalhatu Huza’i Zakariya, pending sentencing. The prosecution is led by the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi.
Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during a visit to victims receiving treatment at Murtala Specialist Hospital, strongly condemned the attack and described it as a tragic and avoidable loss of innocent lives.
Governor Yusuf assured grieving families that justice would be served swiftly and fairly. He also emphasized that the incident was rooted in a longstanding family dispute, ruling out any connections to terrorism or political violence.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Nigeria, with many calling for stronger community conflict resolution measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Stay tuned to Alayo Radio TV for live updates and the final verdict.