Kano court sentences man to death for murder of pregnant woman

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a man, Shuaibu Abdulkadir, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering 22-year-old Rumaisa Shuaibu, who was pregnant.

Justice Farida Dan Baffa delivered the judgment on Friday after ruling that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Abdulkadir, a resident of Farawa in Kumbotso Local Government Area, was charged with one count of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Kano State Penal Code. He was arraigned before the court on August 23, 2025.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Barr. Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, called three witnesses, including the victim’s husband, Ibrahim Muhammad; the defendant’s fiancée, Asiya Abdulmalik; and the investigating police officer, ASP Chindo Chiwa.

The prosecution also tendered several exhibits, including a video of the incident, a flash drive containing electronic evidence, the defendant’s written confession, English and Hausa transcripts of the confession, photographs of the victim, the knife allegedly used in the killing, and the defendant’s mobile phone.

After hearing both the prosecution and the defence, the court convicted Abdulkadir of killing Rumaisa after she became pregnant for him and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Reacting to the verdict, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), described the conviction as “another significant milestone in the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that criminal cases are prosecuted professionally, fairly, and diligently.”

He added that the judgment demonstrates the ministry’s determination to protect victims’ rights, uphold the rule of law and ensure offenders are held accountable.

Maude also praised prosecutor Barr. Basiru Kabiru Aliyu for his professionalism and dedication throughout the trial, saying his work reflects the standard expected of state counsel.

He urged all state prosecutors to continue handling criminal cases with integrity, competence and fairness, while reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the prosecution of serious crimes and ensuring justice remains the foundation for peace and security in Kano State.