A Nigeria Court in Kano State Nigeria have sentences Five to death for murdering a witchcraft
A Nigerian court sentenced five men to death for murdering a woman accused of witchcraft, sparking national debate on wrongful accusations
A COURT in Kano state, Nigeria, has sentenced five men to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, whom they accused of witchcraft.
The men attacked and killed Abubakar while she was working on her farm, beating and stabbing her to death.
The case sparked widespread discussions about how witchcraft allegations continue to lead to violent killings in rural parts of Nigeria.
A brutal attack based on an alleged dreamCourt proceedings revealed that one of the accused, Abdulaziz Yahaya, organised the attack after his sick wife had a dream in which she was pursued by Abubakar, who was holding a knife.
Believing this dream to be an omen of harm, Yahaya gathered a group and confronted Abubakar on her farm, leading to her tragic murder.
‘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,’ said prosecutor Abba Sorondiki, speaking to the BBC.
The victim’s son, Musa Yahaya, expressed relief over the ruling, saying:‘I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother.’
Justice served, but concerns remain Presiding over the case, Judge Usman Na’abba stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Prosecutor Abba Sorondiki hopes the judgment will serve as a deterrent, preventing people from taking the law into their own hands based on superstitions and unfounded accusations.
However, the defense lawyer, Ma’aruf Yakasai, confirmed that his clients plan to appeal the verdict.While the death penalty is legal in Nigeria, executions are rarely carried out, with most convicts spending their lives on death row.Witchcraft accusations and mob killings in Nigeria
This case highlights the ongoing dangers of witchcraft allegations in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where many attribute illness, death, or misfortune to supposed supernatural causes.
Accusations of witchcraft often lead to violence, especially against elderly women, with mob justice replacing legal processes.
The Nigerian government and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned such killings, urging for better education and legal action to combat harmful superstitions.
