A High Court sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice Zuwairah Yusuf, has acquitted and discharged a married woman, Fatima Dahiru, who was accused of killing her co-wife, late Wasila Yusuf.
Fatima Dahiru, a resident of Farawa community in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, was arraigned before the court on charges of culpable homicide, an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
While delivering judgment, Justice Zuwairah Yusuf held that the prosecution failed to establish a credible case against the defendant. The court ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient and lacked substance to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the judge discharged and acquitted Fatima Dahiru of all allegations.
The trial judge further noted that even the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses did not convincingly support the charge against the accused. According to her, the evidence tendered before the court failed to clearly explain what actually transpired or provide strong proof linking the defendant to the alleged crime.
Justice Zuwairah also stated that the prosecution, including government counsel, was unable to present convincing evidence to substantiate the allegation, leaving the court with no option but to set the accused free.
Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, told the court that the incident occurred on February 6, 2019, in Farawa area of Kano. He alleged that Fatima Dahiru attacked her co-wife with an iron object, leading to injuries from which the victim later died after being taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed her death.
However, the accused denied the allegation throughout the trial. Reacting to the judgment, Fatima Dahiru expressed gratitude to God, saying the court’s decision had vindicated her innocence
