Landmark Death Sentences in Nigeria Highlight Ongoing Witchcraft Killings

The conviction of five men for the murder of Dahare Abubakar underlines the severe consequences of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria. As conversations around justice and accountability surface, this case stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence spurred by superstition in rural areas.

In a groundbreaking case, five men have received death sentences in Nigeria's Kano state for the 2023 murder of a 67-year-old woman who was accused of witchcraft. The accused, led by Abdulaziz Yahaya, brutally attacked Dahare Abubakar while she was tending to her farm, resulting in a death that has shocked the local community.

The incident unfolded when one of the accused's wives claimed to have had a dream where Ms. Abubakar threatened her with a knife. This dream prompted Yahaya to instigate a violent confrontation with the victim, ultimately leading to her murder. Following the attack, the victim's family promptly reported the incident to authorities, which resulted in the swift arrest of the suspects in a village located approximately 28 miles from Kano, a major city in northern Nigeria.

During the trial, Judge Usman Na'abba stated that the evidence presented by prosecutors was undeniable, paving the way for the harsh penalty of death by hanging. Prosecutor Abba Sorondiki expressed hopes that this ruling would serve as a deterrent against further murders stemming from baseless witchcraft allegations.

This case has reignited discussions about the ongoing practice of accusing individuals of witchcraft in rural Nigeria, often leading to extreme violence without concrete evidence. “There have been similar cases like this, but this is the first time we are seeing up to five people sentenced to death for murder over wrongful witchcraft accusation,” confirmed Sorondiki.

Musa Yahaya, the son of the murdered woman, conveyed relief at the outcome of the trial, referring to the day of his mother's death as the “worst day of his life.” He expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, highlighting a demand for accountability and justice in such grievous matters.

The defense attorney, Ma'aruf Yakasai, announced intentions to appeal the verdict, signaling that the legal battle is far from over. Although the death penalty exists in Nigeria, its execution is rare, as many convicts often endure life sentences on death row.

This case emphasizes the perilous intersection of superstition, violence, and justice in Nigeria, as society grapples with the implications of witchcraft allegations.