The prime suspect in the Dorayi Chiranci killings, Umar Auwalu, has told the Kano State High Court that he killed his uncle’s daughter, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children on the instruction of a herbalist.
Auwalu, 23, made the claim on Wednesday while testifying in his defence before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11 in Kano.
He told the court that a traditional healer identified as Thomas gave him incense and directed him to carry out the killings, adding that he was instructed to commit similar acts as he had allegedly done in the past.
The suspect also denied the involvement of his co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, saying he mentioned their names only after he was allegedly tortured by police officers following his arrest.
During the proceedings, government lawyers Safiya Yalwati and Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata appeared for police investigator Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, while the defence counsel presented witnesses.
Justice Saminu adjourned the case until July 21 for continuation of the trial.
The Dorayi Chiranci community was thrown into mourning on January 17, 2026, after Fatima Abubakar and her six children were found killed in their home.
Following police investigations, Auwalu, who is a nephew of the deceased, was arrested alongside two others.
The suspects were initially arraigned before Magistrates’ Court No. 2, Nomansland, Kano, on February 5, 2026, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery, and rape.
After a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the case was transferred to the High Court in April, where the suspects were re-arraigned on nine counts.
Auwalu pleaded partially guilty, while the two other defendants pleaded not guilty.
