The principal suspect in the brutal murder of a woman and her six children in Kano has told the High Court that he committed the killings on the orders of a witch doctor named Thomas. Umar Auwalu, 23, made this startling admission during his testimony on Wednesday before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11 in Kano. The gruesome incident occurred on January 17, 2026, in Dorayi Chiranchi, where Fatima Abubakar and her six children were found dead in their home. Auwalu admitted to carrying out the attack, claiming he was instructed by a herbalist and traditional healer called Thomas, who also gave him incense to use in the killings.
Auwalu further told the court that he acted alone and that his two co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, had no involvement in the crime. He stated that he only named them after being allegedly tortured while in police custody. The prosecution and defence both presented witnesses during the hearing, which saw the court carefully examining the testimonies and evidence. Justice Saminu adjourned the trial to July 21 to allow for the continuation of proceedings.
The suspects were initially arrested and charged before a Magistrates’ Court in February on multiple counts, including conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery, and rape. However, the case was later transferred to the High Court following a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). At the High Court, the three suspects faced nine charges in total. While Auwalu pleaded guilty and admitted responsibility, Chobe and Dayyabu maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Kano and beyond, raising concerns about the influence of traditional healers and the use of superstition in violent crimes. Authorities have emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents. The trial continues to unfold with the court closely monitoring developments, particularly regarding the credibility of Auwalu’s claims about the witch doctor’s involvement. As the legal process moves forward, the public remains keenly watching for answers and accountability in this tragic case.
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