Kano Court Condemns Man to Death for Murder of Young Housewife

​KANO — A Kano State High Court has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Shuaibu Abdulkadir for the premeditated murder of 23-year-old housewife, Rumasa’u Shuaibu.

​Presiding over the matter on Friday, July 24, 2026, Justice Farida Rabiu-Danbappa ruled that the prosecution successfully established the charge of culpable homicide against the defendant beyond any reasonable doubt.

​”I find Shuaibu Abdulkadir guilty. I hereby sentence you to death by hanging for culpable homicide,” Justice Rabiu-Danbappa declared, adding a brief admonition before notifying the convict of his 90-day window to challenge the verdict at the appellate court.

​Case Background

​During the trial, prosecution counsel Basiru Kabiru-Ali informed the court that the tragic incident unfolded on April 6, 2025, within the Farawa Quarters of Kano metropolis. Investigations revealed that the convict, a resident of Chediyar Kuda in the Shauchi Quarters, targeted the victim, who shared a close friendship with his girlfriend.

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​To substantiate the allegations, the state presented a robust case anchored on three witnesses and seven compelling exhibits. These pieces of evidence included:

• ​The defendant’s confessional statement
• ​Crime scene and evidentiary photographs
• ​The mobile phone belonging to the deceased housewife

​Defense and Verdict

​Facing trial under Section 221 of the Penal Code, Abdulkadir maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings. Taking the witness stand in his own defense under the guidance of his counsel, Mustapha Idris, the convict sought the court’s clemency.

​Mr. Idris urged the bench to temper justice with mercy, noting that his client was a first-time offender who had demonstrated remorse. However, the court ultimately discountenanced the plea for leniency, sealing the verdict with the mandatory capital punishment dictated by law for the gravity of the offense.