A High Court sitting in Kano State has sentenced one Salisu Idris to death by hanging after finding him guilty of setting a house ablaze, resulting in the tragic death of a family of three.
The incident occurred on September 25, 2019, at Gayawa Quarters in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State. Idris, whose age was not disclosed, was charged with abetment and culpable homicide.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“I hereby sentence Salisu Idris to death by hanging for the horrific act of burning the victims alive,” Justice Adamu-Aliyu declared.
According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, Idris, along with an accomplice, Aliyu Abdullahi-Anas — who remains at large — conspired to set fire to the residence of one Aminu Bala around 2 a.m. on the fateful day. The blaze claimed the lives of Bala, aged 50, his wife, and their two-year-old child.
The prosecution presented two witnesses and tendered a confessional statement reportedly made by Idris during the trial. However, the convict denied any involvement in the crime.
Defence counsel Mustafa Hussaini called Idris to testify in his defence, but the court found the prosecution’s evidence overwhelming.
The offences were said to have contravened Sections 85 and 221 of the Kano State Penal Code.
The tragic case has stirred public outcry in Kano State, with many residents calling for justice and increased security measures to prevent such heinous crimes.
