Kano Murder Suspect Tells Court Herbalist Directed Him to Kill Aunt, Six Children

The principal suspect in the killing of a woman and her six children in Kano State has told the Kano State High Court that he carried out the attack on the instruction of a herbalist.

The suspect, Umar Auwalu, made the claim while testifying before Justice Nasiru Saminu of High Court No. 11 during the continuation of his trial on Wednesday.

Auwalu is standing trial alongside Isyaku Yakubu, also known as Chobe, and Yakubu Dayyabu, over the killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano in January 2026.

While giving evidence, the defendant told the court that a herbalist identified as Thomas instructed him to carry out the killings and allegedly gave him a perfume said to possess spiritual powers.

He further claimed that he acted alone in carrying out the attack and urged the court to discharge his co-defendants, alleging that he implicated them during police interrogation after he was subjected to torture.

The prosecution, however, is continuing with the case against all three defendants and is expected to present evidence to support the charges before the court.

The case was transferred from a Magistrate Court to the High Court after the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviewed the investigation and filed charges, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and armed robbery.

Justice Nasiru Saminu adjourned the matter until July 21, 2026, for the continuation of the defence.

Source: Daily Post.