Five Men Sentenced to Death for Witchcraft Murder in Nigeria

In a significant judicial ruling, a Kano state court sentenced five men to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, who was attacked under accusations of witchcraft. The incident took place as Ms. Abubakar worked on her farm, where the men beat and stabbed her, acting on superstitions that blamed her for various misfortunes. These accusations often lead to violence in parts of rural Nigeria, a cultural backdrop that has prompted national discussions on witchcraft-related murders. Following a rapid investigation, the suspects were apprehended in a village located 45 kilometers from Kano city.

During the trial, Judge Usman Na'abba affirmed that the prosecution successfully substantiated its case against the accused. Notably, the prosecutor, Abba Sorondiki, expressed hopes that this verdict would deter others from making baseless accusations that culminate in violence. The court learned that the murder was instigated after one of the accused, Abdulaziz Yahaya, claimed his sick wife had a dream featuring Ms. Abubakar in a threatening manner. Following this, Yahaya mobilized a group that ultimately led to the victim's death.

This case has been likened to previous witchcraft-related murders; however, it marks the first instance where multiple defendants received death sentences. Musa Yahaya, the victim’s son, shared his relief at the ruling, hoping that justice would evoke accountability similar to the suffering imposed on his mother. Meanwhile, the defense attorney, Ma'aruf Yakasai, announced plans to appeal the verdict. Although the death penalty exists within the Nigerian legal framework, its practical enforcement is infrequent, with many sentenced opting for life imprisonment instead.

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