Emir Sanusi Calls For Swift Justice Over Murder Of Kano Woman, 6 Children

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has condemned the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in Kano, describing the incident as worrisome, barbaric and a grave indictment of society’s justice system.

Reacting to the tragedy, which occurred last Saturday, the Emir expressed condolences to the deceased’s husband, her family and the people of Kano State, saying the incident had deeply shocked the conscience of the state.

Emir Sanusi warned that violent crimes would continue to escalate if murderers are not made to face the full weight of the law. He lamented what he described as a recurring failure to enforce court judgments, noting that in many cases, individuals convicted of murder and sentenced to death are not executed due to delays or refusal to sign execution warrants.

He questioned a system where perpetrators confess to murder, are duly convicted by competent courts, yet remain alive years after sentencing, arguing that such practices encourage impunity and embolden criminals.

The monarch stressed that leaders must resist the temptation to pardon murderers out of sympathy, insisting that a killer who shows no mercy to victims does not deserve mercy from the state.

According to him, the right to forgive a murderer lies only with the victim’s family and God, not political authorities.

Emir Sanusi further criticised the use of the prerogative of mercy in murder cases, describing it as inappropriate. He said while offences such as theft or crimes against the government may attract clemency, murder should not be treated in the same manner.

Calling for a return to the principle of justice, the Emir said the certainty of punishment, including the death penalty where prescribed by law, would serve as a deterrent to others.

He commended the Nigerian Police for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the killings and urged that they be promptly charged in court. He also called on the judiciary to ensure a speedy trial.

The Emir expressed hope that once judgment is delivered, the state government would act decisively by promptly signing the execution warrant, saying firm action would deter future crimes.