The principal suspect in the killing of a woman and her six children in Kano has told the Kano State High Court that he carried out the attack because a witch doctor instructed him to do so.

The suspect, 23-year-old Umar Auwalu, made the claim on Wednesday while giving evidence before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11.

 

 

Auwalu admitted killing his uncle’s daughter, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, saying he acted on the instructions of a witch doctor identified as Thomas.

 

According to him, “a herbalist and traditional healer named Thomas” gave him incense and told him to continue carrying out similar crimes.

 

 

He also denied that his two co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, played any role in the killings. Auwalu told the court he only mentioned their names after he was allegedly tortured while in police custody.

 

The prosecution and defence both presented witnesses during Wednesday’s hearing.

 

Justice Saminu later adjourned the case until July 21 for the continuation of the trial.

 

The killings happened on January 17, 2026, in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano, where Fatima Abubakar and her six children were found murdered in their home.

 

Police later arrested Auwalu along with two other suspects.

 

The three were first charged before a Magistrates’ Court in February on allegations including conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery and rape.

 

The case was later transferred to the High Court after a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, BPP.

 

At the High Court, the suspects were arraigned on nine charges. While Auwalu admitted responsibility, the two other defendants pleaded not guilty.