In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Kano State, a High Court has sentenced Fadila Adamu, a housewife, to death by hanging for the gruesome kidnapping and murder of an eight-year-old girl. The tragic incident, which unfolded in July 2019, has left many grappling with the brutal realities of crime against children.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Yusuf Muhammad-Ubale stated that the prosecution had incontrovertibly established their case against Adamu. “I hereby sentence the defendant to death by hanging for kidnapping and throwing the victim into a well, which caused her death,” he declared, encapsulating the severity of the crime.

The prosecution’s narrative revealed the chilling details surrounding the incident that took place on July 14, 2019, at Tudun Wada Quarters in Kano. According to prosecutor Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, Adamu lured the young girl to her home, deceitfully claiming that the child was a friend’s daughter whose mother was away in Ghana. This pretense allowed her to keep the girl under her roof, masking her sinister intentions.

The nightmare escalated on July 17, when Adamu allegedly disposed of the child’s life by throwing her into a deep well at Tukuntawa Quarters, ultimately sealing the girl’s fate in a tragic act of violence.

To substantiate their case, the prosecution presented a compelling array of evidence, including testimony from seven witnesses and a medical report confirming the death of the victim. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Adamu maintained her innocence, refuting the allegations against her.

In contrast, the defense—represented by counsel Zulaihat Tata—sought to dismantle the prosecution's case, calling upon four witnesses, including Adamu herself. Nevertheless, the court found the arguments insufficient to exonerate her.

Citing Sections 274(b) and 221(a) of the Penal Code as the basis for the ruling, Justice Muhammad-Ubale’s decision echoes the gravity of crimes against children and serves as a stern warning to potential offenders.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, the court's ruling stands as a testament to the judicial system's commitment to justice, even in the face of such deeply unsettling circumstances. The tragic fate of the young girl continues to resonate, reminding all of the pressing need for vigilance in safeguarding the lives of the most vulnerable.