Hanifa’s murder: School proprietor opens defence

A school proprietor in Kano, Abdulmalik Tanko, who is under trial with others over alledged kidnap and murder of his pupil, Halifa Abubakar, on Monday opened  his defence and denying committing the offence.

Tanko, 34, alongside Hashimu Isyaku, 37 and Fatima Musa, 26, all residents of Tudun Murtala Quarters, Kano, are standing trial before a Kano High Court.

They are being tried on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, attempt to kidnap, abetment, kidnapping and concealing dead body of the five year-old pupil

Led in evidence by M.L. Usman, his defence counsel, Tanko said himself and two other defendants did not know how late Hanifa died.

The judge, Justice Usman Na’abba, adjourned the matter until May 10, for continuation of defence.

The prosecution counsel had on April 12, closed its case against the defendants, with nine witnesses and tendered 14 exhibits.

The offences are said to have contravened Sections 97, 95 and 273, 274(b) and 277 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kano State, 1991. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)