Five sentenced to death in Nigeria over 'witchcraft' murder

Five men in Nigeria's Kano state have been sentenced to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of a woman they accused of witchcraft.

The men attacked 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar while she was working on her farm, beating and stabbing her to death.

Her family reported the crime to authorities, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects in a village located 45km (28 miles) from Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria.

The case has sparked national attention and renewed discussions about the ongoing killings in rural areas linked to accusations of witchcraft.

Those who make accusations of witchcraft often do so without any proof, blaming the accused for events such as the death of a family member, illness, or misfortune.

In delivering his verdict, Judge Usman Na'abba stated that the prosecution had proven the case against the five men beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutor Abba Sorondiki expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others who make false accusations and take matters into their own hands.

The court heard that the victim was killed after the wife of one of the accused, Abdulaziz Yahaya, had a dream in which she was being chased by Ms. Abubakar, who was holding a knife. Yahaya then gathered a group to confront Ms. Abubakar, leading to her murder.

Mr. Sorondiki told the BBC, "There have been similar cases, but this is the first time we have seen five people sentenced to death for murder over a wrongful witchcraft accusation."

The victim's son, Musa Yahaya, described the day his mother was killed as the worst day of his life. He expressed relief that justice had been served, saying, "I am happy because they will receive the same treatment they gave to my mother."

Defense lawyer Ma'aruf Yakasai announced that his clients intend to appeal the verdict.

Although the death penalty is rarely enforced in Nigeria, those convicted often remain on death row for life.