The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano State has affirmed the death sentence passed on Abdulmalik Tanko for the killing of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, bringing fresh attention to one of Nigeria’s most disturbing criminal cases in recent years. Delivering judgment, Justice A. R. Muhammad dismissed Tanko’s appeal and upheld the decision of the Kano State High Court, which had sentenced him to death by hanging.
According to Daily Trust, the appellate court ruled that the trial court properly applied the law and thoroughly evaluated the evidence presented during the trial. Justice Muhammad held that the appellant failed to raise any credible issues capable of overturning the conviction.
He described the prosecution’s evidence as strong and persuasive, noting that there was no legal basis for the appellate court to interfere with the lower court’s findings or sentence. The court further indicated that once Tanko has exhausted all remaining legal remedies, the relevant authorities should ensure that the judgment is duly enforced.
Hanifa Abubakar was abducted in December 2021 from Noble Kids Academy, located in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, where Tanko was the proprietor. The child, who was just five years old, was reportedly kidnapped by Tanko, who later demanded a ransom of ₦6 million from her parents.
Investigations revealed that the school owner later administered rat poison to the child, resulting in her death. The incident triggered widespread public outrage across the country, particularly due to the victim’s age and the betrayal of trust by someone responsible for her care and education.
Tanko was arraigned on January 24, 2022, alongside Isyaku Hashim and Fatima Jibril, on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and culpable homicide. On July 28, 2022, the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba, sentenced Tanko and Hashim to death by hanging. Fatima Jibril, however, received a two-year prison sentence for her role in the crime.
