A Kano State High Court on Tuesday handed down death sentences to Aliyu Hussaini and Amir Zakariyya for the fatal stabbing of a newly married man, Yazid Haruna.
The court found the two men, residents of Sheka Sabuwar Abuja Quarters and Unguwar Malam Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area, guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the incident occurred on June 11, 2025, at around 2:47 a.m. The accused allegedly conspired to attack the victim, armed themselves with long knives and a machete, and robbed Haruna of two mobile phones and N19,500 in cash. They reportedly stabbed him multiple times in the stomach, chest, and head, leading to his death.
The prosecution presented three witnesses and submitted medical reports as evidence to support their case. The defendants, however, denied the charges.
The offence was prosecuted under Sections 97(1), 298(c), and 221(a) of the Kano State Penal Code.
The defence, represented by Mr Haruna Saleh-Zakariyya, urged the court to show leniency, with both convicts testifying in their own defence.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. She described the crime as “inhuman” and noted that robberies involving mobile phones have become increasingly common.
The court sentenced both men to:
One year imprisonment each for conspiracy, Life imprisonment for armed robbery, Death by hanging for culpable homicide
This is the second time the convicts have been sentenced to death. On October 20, 2025, a Kano State High Court handed them death sentences for killing a lecturer during a robbery.
