Umar Auwalu, the main suspect in the shocking killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranci, Kano State, has told the court that he carried out the crime on the instruction of a herbalist.
The 23-year-old made the claim on Wednesday while testifying in his defence before Justice Nasiru Saminu of Kano State High Court No. 11.
According to him, a traditional healer identified as Thomas allegedly gave him incense and encouraged him to continue carrying out similar acts, claiming he had done such things before.
Auwalu also denied the involvement of his two co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, in the killings.
He told the court that he only mentioned their names after he was allegedly tortured while in police custody following his arrest.
Following his testimony, the court adjourned proceedings until July 21 for the continuation of the trial.
ALSO READ:‘I Met Him as a Separated Man’—MC Fish’s New Girlfriend Sets the Record Straight
The tragic incident occurred on January 17, 2026, when Fatima Abubakar and her six children were brutally killed in their home.
Auwalu, who is a nephew of the deceased, was later arrested alongside two other suspects.
The trio were initially arraigned before Magistrates’ Court No. 2 in Nomansland on February 5 on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery and rape.
After a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the matter was transferred to the High Court in April, where the defendants were re-arraigned on a nine-count charge.