A Kano State High Court sitting in Bompai, has arraigned four men over the alleged killing of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi area of the state.

The defendants, Umar Auwalu, Yakubu Dayyabu, Isyaka Yakubu and Umar Ali, were brought before the court on multiple charges, including homicide, rape, armed robbery and arson.

During the arraignment, three of the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Although, the first defendant, Umar Auwalu, was said to have admitted to most of the allegations, the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in accordance with legal provisions governing capital offences.

The prosecution, led by Saleh Muhammad, informed the court of its readiness to proceed with the case, stating that witnesses and evidence would be presented to substantiate the allegations against the defendants.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Justice, Salisu Muhammad Tahir, said the charges are contained in three separate cases marked K-54, K-55 and K-56.

He explained that they cover incidents in Tudun Yola and Dorayi Chiranchi, as well as a separate rape-related charge.

Tahir noted that while pleas were successfully taken in two of the cases, proceedings in the third case could not continue, due to the absence of legal representation for some of the accused persons.

He emphasised that the court could not proceed with a homicide trial without counsel, describing such matters as involving life-and-death consequences.

The prosecution, he added, has filed multiple charges and is prepared to call witnesses at the next hearing.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the case to April 22, 27 and 28 for continuation of hearing and presentation of evidence. (Nigerian Tribune)