A High Court in Kano State has handed down a death sentence by hanging to two men, Umar Auwalu, also known as Breaker, and Yakubu Dayyabu, referred to as Wawo, for the brutal murder of a 35-year-old mother, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children. The tragic incident occurred on January 17, 2026, at their home in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, where the family was viciously attacked.

The court's decision was delivered by Justice Nasiru Saminu on November 6, 2026, after the defendants were found guilty of seven counts of culpable homicide. In addition to the death sentences, they were also sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour for armed robbery related to the case. A third defendant, Isiyaku Abdul'azeez, was acquitted of all charges due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.

The prosecution, led by Kano State Attorney General Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, emphasized the gravity of the crime during the proceedings. He noted that the court's decision was based on the testimonies of eight witnesses and thirty exhibits presented during the trial. Maude described January 17 as a day that would remain etched in the memories of the people of Kano, marking a significant tragedy in the state's history.

Justice Saminu expressed that if a harsher punishment than death existed, it would have been imposed due to the heinous nature of the killings. The court highlighted the brutal circumstances surrounding the murders, which left the husband, Haruna Bashir, as the sole survivor of the attack.

Following the verdict, Attorney General Maude commended the police for their thorough investigation and the Ministry of Justice for their dedication to ensuring justice was served. He stated that the government is prepared to carry out the death sentences if the convicts do not appeal within the legally mandated timeframe.

The case has drawn significant public attention, reflecting the community's outrage over the horrific nature of the crime. The Attorney General reassured the public that justice would be upheld and that the state remains committed to addressing such violent crimes effectively. Meanwhile, Abdul'azeez, though acquitted in this case, is reportedly facing other legal challenges in separate cases pending judgment.