By Nworisa Michael
The Kano State Ministry of Justice has recorded a major victory in the fight against violent crime after the High Court of Kano State sentenced notorious kidnapper, Abdulaziz Adamu, popularly known as Mai Kayan Miya, to death by hanging for the kidnap and murder of Ali Ghana.
The judgement was delivered on Thursday by Hon. Justice Aisha Mahmud of Court No. 24, Bompai, following a comprehensive prosecution led by the state’s legal team.
According to court findings, Adamu conspired with another suspect, Abdullahi Alhassan, also known as Danmama, to abduct the victim at Dawakin Kudu on June 16, 2023. Despite collecting a ransom of ₦15 million, Adamu proceeded to murder the victim.
The case took a dramatic turn when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), acting on credible intelligence, raided the home of the first defendant on June 16, 2024. The operation led to a shocking discovery: 15 dead bodies found within the premises. During interrogation, Adamu confessed to the killing and implicated the second defendant.
Prosecution was led by Barrister Lamido Soron Dinki, who called three witnesses and tendered critical evidence linking Adamu to the crime. After reviewing the submissions, Justice Mahmud convicted him and imposed the death penalty. However, the second defendant, Alhassan, was discharged due to insufficient evidence.
In a statement announcing the judgement, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law. He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice will continue to support law enforcement and the judiciary in safeguarding the lives and property of residents.
The conviction is regarded as a significant boost to ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, gruesome killings, and other violent crimes across the state.
