In a landmark ruling in Kano State, five men have been sentenced to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of a woman they accused of witchcraft, emphasizing the dangers of superstition in the region.
Five Individuals Sentenced to Death for Murder Linked to Witchcraft Accusations in Nigeria
Five Individuals Sentenced to Death for Murder Linked to Witchcraft Accusations in Nigeria
A shocking case in rural Nigeria underscores the deadly consequences of witchcraft accusations.
In a troubling case that has ignited discussions around witchcraft accusations leading to violent acts, five men have received death sentences in Kano State, Nigeria. The convicted individuals were found guilty of brutally killing 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, after they accused her of witchcraft while she was tending to her farm. The attack, which involved beating and stabbing the victim, occurred following a dream experienced by the wife of one of the perpetrators, Abdulaziz Yahaya, who claimed that Ms. Abubakar was pursuing her with a knife.
The incident highlights the perilous nature of unfounded accusations that continue to persist in rural communities, where individuals often attribute unforeseen challenges, such as illness or misfortune, to alleged witchcraft. In the aftermath, Ms. Abubakar's family took immediate action, leading to the swift arrest of the five suspects in a village approximately 45 kilometers from Kano, the state's largest city.
During the court proceedings, Judge Usman Na'abba asserted that the prosecution had convincingly proven its case against the defendants. Prosecutor Abba Sorondiki expressed hopes that the judgement would serve as a deterrent against similar wrongful accusations that have led to tragic outcomes. He noted, “There have been similar cases like this, but this is the first time we are seeing up to five people sentenced to death for murder over wrongful witchcraft accusations.”
The emotional toll on the victim’s family was palpable, with her son, Musa Yahaya, expressing relief at the verdict, stating it would provide him with a sense of justice for the brutal loss of his mother. “I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother,” he said. Conversely, defense attorney Ma'aruf Yakasai announced that his clients intend to appeal the ruling.
In Nigeria, while the death penalty remains a legal sanction, it is rarely enforced, with many convicted individuals remaining on death row for years.
The incident highlights the perilous nature of unfounded accusations that continue to persist in rural communities, where individuals often attribute unforeseen challenges, such as illness or misfortune, to alleged witchcraft. In the aftermath, Ms. Abubakar's family took immediate action, leading to the swift arrest of the five suspects in a village approximately 45 kilometers from Kano, the state's largest city.
During the court proceedings, Judge Usman Na'abba asserted that the prosecution had convincingly proven its case against the defendants. Prosecutor Abba Sorondiki expressed hopes that the judgement would serve as a deterrent against similar wrongful accusations that have led to tragic outcomes. He noted, “There have been similar cases like this, but this is the first time we are seeing up to five people sentenced to death for murder over wrongful witchcraft accusations.”
The emotional toll on the victim’s family was palpable, with her son, Musa Yahaya, expressing relief at the verdict, stating it would provide him with a sense of justice for the brutal loss of his mother. “I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother,” he said. Conversely, defense attorney Ma'aruf Yakasai announced that his clients intend to appeal the ruling.
In Nigeria, while the death penalty remains a legal sanction, it is rarely enforced, with many convicted individuals remaining on death row for years.
