A High Court sitting in Kano state north Western Nigeria has sentenced to death by hanging the Proprietor of Nobel Kids Academy and North West Preparatory School, Abdulmalik Tanko, principal suspect who masterminded the kidnap and killing of 5- year-old school girl, Hanifa Abubakar.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Usman Na’abba gave the order while delivering his judgment on Thursday.
Justice Na’abba also convicted Tanko to five years imprisonment for four count charges leveled against him.
The trio of Abdulmalik (Proprietor of Nobel Kids Academy and North West Preparatory School) alongside his accomplice, Hashim Isyaku and Fatima Jibrin were arraigned before the court by the Kano State government on five count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, confinement and culpable homicide through poison contrary to section 97, 274, 277, 221 of the penal code.
The Judge, Justice Na’abba also sentenced the second defendant, Hashim Ishyaku to death by hanging and four years imprisonment, two years each for conspiracy and concealment.
The third defendant, Fatima Musa Jabrin was sentenced to two years imprisonment for conspiracy and attempt to kidnap with leniency for being a nursing mother. One year each for the two offences.
Earlier in the year, precisely February 14, Abdulmalik Tanko, Hashim Isyaku, and Fatima Musa were arraigned on five count charges of criminal conspiracy, attempt to kidnap, kidnapping, killing, and concealing a dead body.
The prosecution counsel who doubles as Kano Attorney General, Barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawan described Hanifa’s murder as a crime against humanity and prayed the court to ensure justice for the killing of the underage girl.
The Kano State governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had earlier pledged to sign the death sentence when passed by the court.
Emmanuel Ukoh
