Court Orders 50 Strokes of Cane for Man in Kano

A Sharia Court in Kano on Friday, August 1, 2025, sentenced a 35-year-old man, Sabiu Abdullahi, to 50 strokes of cane for stealing five roofing sheets.

According to News Agency Nigeria, the incident began when Abdullahi, who lives in Mariri Quarters, broke into a residence in Tamburawa Quarters.

He reportedly entered the compound of the complainant, Anas Yakubu, in his absence and carted away the roofing sheets.

Yakubu, upon discovering the theft, immediately reported the matter to the Mariri Police Station on July 21.

The police quickly arrested Abdullahi after conducting their investigation.

Prosecutor Zahradeen Abubakar presented the case before the court.

He told the judge that Abdullahi had no permission to access the complainant’s property.

Instead, he unlawfully trespassed and stole materials valued by Yakubu.

When the court arraigned Abdullahi, he pleaded guilty to the charges without hesitation.

The prosecution charged him under Sections 134 and 287 of the Kano State Penal Code Law, which deal with trespass and theft respectively.

During the hearing, the presiding judge, Malam Umar Lawal, expressed concern about the growing rate of petty theft across the city.

He noted that theft, even of small items, affects peace and safety in the community.

Consequently, the judge ruled that Abdullahi should receive 50 strokes of the cane.

He instructed that the punishment be carried out immediately, in line with provisions under Sharia law.

Although the court could have imposed a fine or jail term, the judge emphasized that public discipline sends a stronger message to would-be offenders.

He urged residents to respect other people’s properties and seek legal means of resolving personal needs.

Abdullahi accepted the judgment without appeal and exited the court premises quietly.

Kano State continues to enforce Sharia-based rulings in parallel with Nigeria’s secular judicial system.

While critics have questioned the fairness of corporal punishment, many supporters argue it helps curb crime in the region.

This case adds to a growing list of convictions handled by Sharia courts across Northern Nigeria.

NAN.

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