Kano Murder Suspect Says Herbalist Ordered Killing of Aunt, Six Children

A 23-year-old man standing trial for the alleged murder of his aunt and her six children in Kano State has told the Kano State High Court that he carried out the killings on the instruction of a herbalist.

The suspect, Auwalu, made the claim on Wednesday while testifying in his defence before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11.

According to him, a traditional healer identified as Thomas allegedly gave him incense and directed him to continue committing similar crimes as he had done in the past.

Auwalu also exonerated his co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, insisting they had no involvement in the killings. He claimed he only implicated them after being tortured in police custody following his arrest.

During the proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Safiya Yalwati and Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata, presented police investigator Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, while the defence also called witnesses.

Justice Saminu subsequently adjourned the case until July 21 for the continuation of the trial.

The tragic incident occurred on Jan. 17, 2026, in Dorayi Chiranci, Kano State, where Fatima Abubakar and her six children were found brutally killed in their home, throwing the community into mourning.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Auwalu, a nephew of the deceased, alongside two other suspects.

The three were initially arraigned before Magistrates’ Court No. 2 in Nomansland on Feb. 5, 2026, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery and rape.

Following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the case was transferred to the High Court in April, where the defendants were re-arraigned on a nine-count charge.

While Auwalu admitted partial responsibility during the proceedings, his two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.