Posted by Chinenye on Thu 16th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A shocking confession has emerged in the ongoing trial over the gruesome killing of a woman and her six children in Kano.
(Photo of the murdered family. Photo Credit: News Express)
The prime suspect in the horrific Dorayi Chiranci k!llings, Umar Auwalu, told the Kano State High Court on Wednesday that he k!lled his uncle's daughter, Fatima Abubakar, along with her six children, after being instructed to do so by a herbalist. Reader discretion is advised.
The 23-year-old made the confession while representing himself before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11.
He claimed a traditional healer identified as Thomas had given him incense and directed him to keep carrying out similar acts as he had done before.
Auwalu went on to clear his co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, of any wrongdoing, alleging that he had only implicated them earlier after being tortured while in police custody.
At Wednesday's proceedings, government counsel led by Safiya Yalwati and Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata appeared on behalf of police investigator Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, while the defence also presented its own witnesses.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 21 for continuation of trial.
It will be recalled that the Dorayi Chiranci community was plunged into grief on January 17 this year when Fatima Abubakar and her six children were k!lled inside their home.
Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of Auwalu, the nephew of the deceased, along with two other suspects.
The trio were initially arraigned before Magistrates' Court No. 2, Nomansland, on February 5, 2026, facing an eight-count charge that included conspiracy, culpable hom!cide, robbery, and r@pe.
Following a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the case was moved to the High Court in April, where the suspects were re-arraigned on nine counts.
While Auwalu admitted partial guilt, his co-defendants both pleaded not guilty.