A Kano Upper Shariah Court will today (Monday) deliver its much-anticipated verdict in the tragic and high-profile case of Shafiu Abubakar Gadan, the man accused of orchestrating one of the most horrifying acts of violence in Kano State’s recent history—the deliberate torching of a mosque filled with worshippers.
The chilling incident occurred on May 16, 2024, in Gezawa Local Government Area, during early morning prayers. Seventeen worshippers were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while the death toll later climbed to 25 as more victims succumbed to horrific burn injuries.
Gadan, who shockingly pleaded guilty to the charges of culpable homicide and causing grievous harm, has been held at a correctional facility by order of the presiding judge, Khadi Dalhatu Huza’i Zakariya, pending the court’s final judgment. The case, which has shaken the conscience of the nation, is being prosecuted by Kano State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi.
The attack sent shockwaves across the country, drawing widespread condemnation. During a somber visit to the wounded survivors at the Murtala Specialist Hospital, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed outrage and sorrow, describing the act as “barbaric and inhuman.”
Governor Yusuf assured the grieving families and the broader public that justice would not be delayed nor denied. He also clarified that the heinous act was rooted in a prolonged family dispute, dismissing speculations linking it to terrorism or politically motivated violence.
As Kano awaits the court’s final pronouncement, tension and emotions run high. For many, today’s verdict will mark either the beginning of closure or the rekindling of grief. All eyes are on Khadi Zakariya’s courtroom, where justice for the 25 innocent worshippers hangs in the balance.
PIONEER NEWS 