Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has vowed to sign the death sentence without further delay if given by the court where the suspected killer of Hanifa Abubakar is facing trial.
Until her death, Hanifa was a five-year-old pupil of Noble Kids Comprehensive College – a school located in Kwanar ‘Yan Gana in Tudun Murtala Quarters in Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state.
She was abducted by the school proprietor, one Abdulmalik Tanko, who demanded ransom from her parents and was reported to have killed her in December last year.
Following the suspect’s arrest, the state government arraigned Tanko alongside two others at the State High Court.
[READ ALSO] Hanifa Abubakar: Youths Burn School Where Pupil’s Body Was Buried
Ganduje, who visited Hanifa’s family on Monday, promised to sign the court judgement once the suspect was judged according to the crime he was accused of.
He apologised to the girl’s parents and the people of Kano, stressing that there was no use for such persons to continue to live in the society.
According to the governor, stringent sentences are the best punishment for people who commit such despicable acts.
“This kind of incidence is truly unprecedented. I pray that God will give Hanifa’s parents the fortitude to bear this heavy loss. The power to give and take life belongs to him alone,” Ganduje said.
“I wouldn’t want to pre-empt the court, but as a government, we are working towards ensuring justice and fairness in Hanifa’s case. This is indeed very paramount to us.”
“The Nigerian constitution reserves the death penalty for anyone found guilty of murder. At the end of the case, a warrant is sent to the state governor to give consent for execution to take place. I assure you that, once the sentence is passed on the murderer, I will not waste a minute to append my signature on the warrant authorising his execution.”
“The judiciary has assured us that Hanifa’s case will be given accelerated hearing.
“We have also set up a committee to look into the activities of private schools in Kano State and advice accordingly.
“To Hanifa’s parents, we share in your grief, there is nothing someone can do to fill in the vacuum left by her demise but we have a token for you to alleviate your pains.
“We will continue to pray for the repose of her gentle soul.”
Suspects In Court
Tanko, according to Haruna Kiyawa who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, confessed that he kidnapped Hanifa and took her to his house where he contacted her relatives and demanded a ransom of N6 million.
He was said to have conspired with one Hashim Isyaku to kill the girl on December 18, 2021, having realised that the victim had recognised him.
Hanifa later was buried in a shallow grave within the school premises.
The state government, in a swift move, ordered the indefinite closure and withdrawal of the operational license of the school where the girl was buried.
It went further to arraign Tanko, and two other suspects – Ishiaku Hamisu and Fatimah Jibril also indicted in the murder of Hanifa.
When the charges were read out to them during Monday’s proceedings, the accused consented to them while the court adjourned the case until February 2.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Kano, Musa Abdullahi, assured the people of the state and Nigerians that justice would be served in the case.
He, however, pleaded with residents of the state to be civil and not take laws into their hands.
