Yusuf Haruna, 18, was placed under detention at a correctional facility by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano on Wednesday. He is accused of fatally stabbing Imam Malam Sani Mohammed.
The defendant is accused of criminal homicide. He resides in Tudun Nufawa Quarters, Kano.
Musa Yunusa, who lives at the same home, reported the incident to the Jakara Police Division Kano on December 31, 2023, according to the prosecutor, Mrs. Fatima Ado-Ahmad, who testified in court.
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She claimed that the defendant attacked and fatally stabbed the 45-year-old Imam in the back with a sharp knife at approximately 7:00 p.m.
“The victim suffered severe injuries from the attack and was taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where a medical professional pronounced him deceased.”
The accused refuted having committed the crime.
However, the prosecution claimed that the offense was against Penal Code Section 221 provisions.
Chief Magistrate Binta Galadanchi postponed the case until January 31 in order to allow for more discussion. She ordered the defendant to be placed under detention in a correctional facility.
A connected event was the Chief Magistrates’ Court arraignment of Yusuf’s father, Haruna Sani, for allegedly shielding his son from the murder of Imam Sani Mohammed.
Living in Tudun Nufawa Quarters in Kano, the defendant faces a count charge of screening of criminal in violation of Section 167 of the Penal Code. The charge is now under trial.
Ado-Ahmad, the prosecution’s attorney, claimed that on December 31, 2023, the defendant killed Mohammed with a knife to the back and then hid his son, Yusuf.
To the charge, the defendant entered a not guilty plea.
The defense attorneys’ request for bail was denied by the prosecutor.
Ahmad Rufa’i, the defense attorney, spoke and asked the court to give the defendant bail in accordance with Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended and Section 168 of the ACJL 2019 Kano State. He was speaking on behalf of Mr. Rabiu Sidi.
Galadanchi decided that the defendant be held in a correctional institution and adjourned the hearing until January 31 for deciding on bail application.