A 23-year-old man, Umar Auwalu, stated in a Kano State High Court that he murdered his cousin, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children due to orders from a local witch doctor. Testifying before Justice Nasiru Saminu on Wednesday, Auwalu claimed a practitioner named Thomas provided him with incense and directed him to commit the acts.
During his testimony, Auwalu cleared his two co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, of involvement in the incident. He alleged that his previous mention of their names resulted from torture while in police custody. Both the prosecution and defense called witnesses during the session, and Justice Saminu adjourned the proceedings until July 21.
The victims were found dead in their Dorayi Chiranchi home on January 17, 2026. Following their arrest, the suspects faced charges including conspiracy, robbery, rape, and culpable homicide. While the case moved from a Magistrates’ Court to the High Court, Auwalu is the only defendant who has confessed to the crimes, whereas the other two men maintain their innocence.
