Kano Murder Trial: ‘I Alone Killed My Aunt and Her Six Children,’ Defendant Tells Court

A dramatic twist emerged in one of Kano State’s most shocking murder trials after the principal defendant told the court that he alone was responsible for the deaths of his aunt and her six children. The unexpected confession, coupled with his claim that his co-defendants were innocent, has reignited public interest in the high-profile case as the court continues hearing the defence.

A stunning courtroom confession has taken a new turn in one of Kano State’s most disturbing murder cases. The defendant’s claim that he acted alone—and that the other accused were innocent—has left many closely following the outcome of the trial.

Umar Auwalu, the principal defendant in the Kano family murder trial, told the Kano State High Court that he alone killed his paternal aunt and her six children. He also claimed his two co-defendants were innocent and said he had earlier implicated them due to alleged pressure from police. The case was adjourned until July 21, 2026, for continuation of the defence hearing.

A dramatic twist unfolded at the Kano State High Court after the principal defendant in the alleged murder of his paternal aunt and her six children confessed that he carried out the killings alone.

Umar Auwalu made the declaration on Wednesday while testifying in his defence before Justice Nasiru Saminu of Kano State High Court No. 11. He insisted that his two co-defendants had no involvement in the alleged crime.

“I alone killed my aunt and her six children. Isyaku Yakubu, also known as Chobe, and Yakubu Dayyabu had no hand in the incident,” Auwalu told the court.

The case centres on the alleged killing of seven members of the same family in the Ciranci area of Kano State. The incident attracted nationwide attention because of its shocking nature.

Auwalu further claimed that he had earlier implicated the two co-defendants after allegedly enduring severe hardship and pressure from police officers following his arrest.

In another startling claim, the defendant told the court that a traditional spiritualist had given him a perfume, which he described as a charm, and instructed him to continue committing similar offences he had allegedly carried out in the past.

Meanwhile, the prosecution team, led by Barrister Safiya Yalwati and Barrister Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata, presented the investigating police officer, Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, as a witness during Wednesday’s proceedings.

The defence also called its witnesses after formally opening its case.

Following the hearing, Justice Nasiru Saminu adjourned the matter until July 21, 2026, for the continuation of the defence.