Hanifa Abubakar killer death sentence upheld: The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano has upheld the death sentence imposed on Abdulmalik Tanko for the brutal murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, bringing renewed national attention to one of the most heartbreaking criminal cases in recent Nigerian history.
Hanifa Abubakar was abducted in December 2021 in Kano State by Abdulmalik Tanko, the proprietor of Noble Kids Academy in Nasarawa Local Government Area, where the child was enrolled as a pupil. The disappearance of the young girl initially sparked anxiety and concern within her family and the wider community. Those fears deepened when Tanko demanded a ransom of ₦6 million from her parents, a demand that intensified public outrage when the full circumstances of the crime later emerged.
Investigations revealed that despite the ransom negotiations, Hanifa was cruelly poisoned with rat poison administered by Tanko, leading to her death. The revelation that the crime was committed by the owner of the school entrusted with the child’s safety shocked the nation and provoked widespread condemnation. The case became emblematic of a grave breach of trust and a failure of moral responsibility within an institution meant to protect children.
Tanko was subsequently arraigned on January 24, 2022, alongside Isyaku Hashim and Fatima Jibril. They faced multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and culpable homicide. After a full trial, the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba, delivered its judgment on July 28, 2022. The court found Abdulmalik Tanko and Isyaku Hashim guilty and sentenced them to death by hanging, while Fatima Jibril was convicted on a lesser offence and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Tanko approached the Court of Appeal, challenging both the findings of fact and the conclusions of law reached by the trial court. However, in a detailed judgment delivered by Justice A. R. Muhammad, the appellate court dismissed the appeal in its entirety and affirmed the decision of the Kano State High Court. Hanifa Abubakar killer death sentence upheld.
Justice Muhammad held that the trial court acted properly and in strict compliance with the law in its evaluation of the evidence presented by the prosecution. He described the prosecution’s case as compelling, coherent, and convincing, noting that the appellant failed to discredit the evidence or raise any substantial doubt that would warrant appellate interference. The Court of Appeal found that the arguments canvassed by Tanko lacked merit and did not justify setting aside the conviction or sentence.
The appellate court further ruled that there was no basis to overturn or interfere with the judgment of the lower court, emphasizing that the findings of the trial judge were supported by credible evidence on record. Justice Muhammad also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the judgment is carried out in accordance with the law once the convict has exhausted all legally available avenues of appeal.
The affirmation of the death sentence has been widely regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving crimes against children. Beyond its legal implications, the Hanifa Abubakar case continues to resonate deeply across the country, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of abuse of trust and the enduring demand for justice in the face of heinous crimes. Hanifa Abubakar killer death sentence upheld.
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