A Kano State High Court sitting in Bompai on Wednesday arraigned four men over the alleged killing of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi quarters of Kano earlier this year.

The defendants—Umar Auwalu, Yakubu Dayyabu, Isyaka Yakubu, and Umar Ali—are facing charges bordering on homicide, rape, armed robbery, and arson.

During the proceedings, three of the accused persons pleaded not guilty, while the first defendant, Umar Auwalu, admitted to most of the charges. However, in line with legal provisions governing capital offences, the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Lead prosecutor, Saleh Muhammad, assured that the state is prepared to present evidence and call witnesses to substantiate the charges.

Speaking with journalists after the session, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Justice, Salisu Muhammad Tahir, said the charges are contained in three separate cases—K-54, K-55, and K-56—covering incidents in Tudun Yola, Dorayi Chiranchi, and a rape-related charge.

He explained that while pleas were taken in two of the cases, proceedings in the third could not continue due to the absence of legal representation for some of the defendants.

“You cannot proceed without counsel in a homicide matter because it is a case of life and death,” he said.

Tahir added that the prosecution has filed multiple charges across the cases and is ready to call witnesses at the next hearing.

“By the special grace of God, we will present our witnesses and commence hearing,” he said.

The court adjourned the matter to April 22, 27, and 28 for continuation of hearing and presentation of witnesses.