In the last few years, Kano State has been at the centre of some murder cases that shook the state, some of which also drew national attention and condemnation. Here are five unresolved murder cases in Kano that left tongues wagging:
Murder of Nafi’u Hafiz
The arrest of a 24-year-old housewife, Hafsat Surajo, by the Kano State police command for allegedly stabbing Nafi’u Hafiz to death who is believed to be her domestic staff, has left many residents dumbfounded.
The incident, which happened in December 2023, first came to public view when the state Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, said the incident occurred at Unguwa Uku quarters in Taurani LGA of the state.
He said, “On December 21, at about 0700 hours, a report was received from one Hafizu Salisu of Bauchi LGA, that he received a phone call from one Daiyabu Abdullahi of Unguwa Uku, Kano, that his brother, Nafi’u Hafiz, is dead.”
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The police explained that when the brother arrived at the residence at Unguwa Uku, he discovered several injuries suspected to be knife stabs on different parts of the deceased.
The case is currently before a chief magistrates’ court in Kano which has ordered the remand of Hafsat Surajo in a correctional centre.
Murder of Imam Sani Mohammed
The murder of Malam Sani Mohammed Shu’aibu is even more pathetic. Nineteen-year-old Yusuf Haruna was arrested for stabbing a 45-year-old Imam, Sani Mohammed Shu’aibu of Jakara Quarters, in the ancient city of Kano after he led a congregational prayer.
The imam was said to have incurred the suspect’s anger after he warned the young man and his gang to desist from smoking Indian hemp around the mosque premises. The imam was confirmed dead at Murtala Muhammad Hospital where he was taken to.
Yusuf Haruna, who is now facing a one-count charge of culpable homicide, has been remanded in prison on the orders of Chief Magistrate Binta Ibrahim Galadanchi.
His trial continues on January 18, 2024.
The killing of Ya’u Mohammed
Another horrifying case is that of a 25-year-old man, Alkasim Ya’u, who allegedly stabbed his father to death at Tudun Yola ‘CO’ area of Gwale LGA of the state.
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano arrested the suspect. According to NSCDC Corps Commandant, Mohammed Falala, the incident occurred on January 7, 2023, at the residence of Alhaji Salisu Bala.
“The late father, Alhaji Ya’u Mohammed, brought his mentally ill son, Alkasim Ya’u, to the Psychiatric Hospital, Dawanau for treatment, where they booked to see a medical doctor on Saturday, January 6.”
He explained that instead of returning to Katsina, the deceased decided to sleep over at his brother’s house at the same address with the intention of proceeding to Katsina the following day.
According to the operatives, investigation revealed that Alkasim became mentally ill due to his involvement with hard drugs. They said on arrival at Tudun Yola, Alkasim took a sharp object with which he injured the father. He said the NSCDC operatives attached to the area took the victim to a hospital and arrested the suspect.
The operatives also revealed that the suspect and the exhibit were handed over to the Rijiyar Zaki Divisional Police Office.
Murder of Ummukulthum Buhari
Similarly, Kano State was plunged into mourning when in September 2022, a 47-year-old Chinese national identified as Geng Quangrong, allegedly slaughtered his girlfriend, Ummukulthum Buhari, at their Kuntau residence, Janbulo in Kano metropolis.
The late Ummukulthum, a graduate of Agricultural Science from Kampala University, Uganda, was on her youth service in Sokoto State before her alleged murder. It was gathered that the suspect had a sizzling relationship with the young woman for two years before she settled for another man in the city.
It was also revealed that the late Ummukulthum’s marriage never lasted and that she returned to her family home.
Sources said the suspect, who felt bad for being jilted by Ummukulthum, never let go and that he allegedly scaled the perimeter fence, sneaked to her room and slaughtered her.
Geng was subsequently arrested by a mob which was set to deliver jungle justice on him but for the arrival of a combined team of police and immigration officials at the scene.
He was arraigned on September 21, 2022, before a Kano Chief Magistrate’s Court for culpable homicide contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.
His lawyers and the prosecution team were to adopt their final written addresses in the murder trial before Justice Sunusi Ado Maaji of Kano State High Court sitting at Miller Road.
Amina Bala’s killing
In another case, the Police in Kano State arrested Ukasha Muhammed and Chidera Ugwu on December 20 for conspiring to abort the pregnancy of one Amina Bala who died in the process. Ukasha was said to be responsible for the pregnancy while Chidera was the quack doctor who allegedly administered an injection on the victim with the intention to abort and cover up the unwanted pregnancy. The two are in police custody and may soon be arraigned in court.
