The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano on Thursday, fixed August 1 to deliver judgment in a suit filed against  Shafi’u Abubakar, 38, charged with setting a mosque on fire, killing 23 people.

Mr Abubakar, who lives in Gezawa Local Government Kano, is charged with s culpable homicide and attempted murder, causing grievous hurt and mischief by fire.

The offence contravened the provisions of sections 140, 148, 167 and 370 of Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law 2000.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, director of the public prosecution, and the justice ministry, Salisu Tahir, informed the court that he had filed a new charge against the defendant.

He urged the new charge to be read to the defendant.

Mr Tahir alleged that on May 15, at about 5:15 a.m., the defendant sprayed petrol on a mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa village of Gezawa local government area, set it alight and locked the doors, trapping 23 worshippers in a burning fire during subhi (dawn prayer).

He said 23 people died while receiving medical attention at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano.

The prosecution also alleged that on the same date, at about 5:15 a.m., the defendant attempted to kill Shu’aibu Ibrahim and Ibrahim Sani.

The defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges.

The defence counsel, Hasiya Muhammad-Imam, urged the court to temper justice with mercy since the defendant did not stress the court because he admitted to the crime.

The presiding judge, Halhalatu Zakariyya, asked the defendant if he was in his right senses when he took the guilty plea.

He adjourned the matter until August 1 and 2 for judgment in the second and third charges and continuation of the hearing.

(NAN)