A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano has remanded four suspects over their alleged involvement in the killing of a woman and her six children at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in the Kano metropolis.
The suspects Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, 40, of Sagagi Quarters; Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters; and Umar Ali, were arraigned before the court on multiple charges.
The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, told the court that the first three defendants were charged with criminal conspiracy, trespass, robbery, culpable homicide, sexual assault, arson, unlawful possession of weapons and causing injuries.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed on January 17, 2026, when the suspects reportedly conspired and unlawfully gained access to the residence of the victim, Fatima Abubakar, 35. The prosecution alleged that the attack resulted in the death of the woman and her six children.
Maude further told the court that the suspects were also being investigated in connection with another violent incident that occurred in November 2025 at Tudun Yola Quarters in Kano, where two women were reportedly attacked, robbed and killed, while their residence was set on fire.
The prosecutor said the offences contravene Sections 97, 221, 283, 298, 319, 336 and 348 of the Penal Code.
In a related development, the fourth defendant, Umar Ali, is facing a separate charge linked to an alleged assault involving a minor. The prosecution alleged that he was connected to the handling of items taken from the victim following the attack.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel to the defendants, A. S. Tunkuye, applied under Section 36(5)(c) of the Constitution, urging the court to direct the Attorney General to provide the defence with relevant case materials and records to enable proper preparation for trial.
Presiding Chief Magistrate, Auwal Yusuf-Suleiman, ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility and directed the prosecution to make available all necessary case documents to the defence team.
The case was adjourned to March 11, 2026, for further mention.
