A Kano Upper Shariah Court will today, Monday, May 26, 2025, deliver its judgment in a high-profile case that shocked the nation — the mosque arson attack that killed 25 worshippers in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The accused, Shafiu Abubakar Gadan, earlier pleaded guilty to charges of culpable homicide and causing grievous harm. He was arrested and remanded in custody following the horrific incident that took place during early morning prayers on May 16, 2024.
Initially, 17 worshippers lost their lives in the fire. However, the death toll rose in the following days as more victims succumbed to severe burn injuries. Many of the survivors remain traumatized, with several still undergoing treatment months later.
The trial, which has drawn national and international attention, is being presided over by Khadi Dalhatu Huza’i Zakariya. The prosecution is led by Kano State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi, who has pushed for justice on behalf of the victims and their families.
In his earlier court appearances, Gadan showed little resistance to the charges brought against him, admitting to the act and expressing remorse. The motive behind the attack, according to investigations, stemmed from a prolonged family feud, which escalated into the deadly arson. Authorities have ruled out any connections to terrorism or political motivations.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, strongly condemned the attack during a visit to the Murtala Specialist Hospital, where many victims were being treated. The governor offered condolences to grieving families and reassured the public that justice would be delivered swiftly and fairly.
“This is a tragic loss for our state and for the nation. I assure you that justice will not be delayed. We must not allow such violence to define us,” Governor Yusuf stated during his hospital visit.
As the court prepares to deliver its final verdict today, many residents of Kano and beyond await the outcome, hoping that it will bring closure and a sense of justice to the victims’ families. Security has been heightened around the court premises to ensure a peaceful proceeding, and the judgment is expected to set a precedent for similar cases involving acts of mass violence rooted in personal conflicts.
The case stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved personal disputes and the urgent need for conflict resolution mechanisms within communities.
The nation watches closely as Kano’s judiciary delivers what many hope will be a fair and decisive ruling in one of the state’s most painful tragedies in recent memory.
