Herbalist-Ordered Killings Confession
Kano Ritual Killings: Suspect Confesses to Seven Murders, Alleges Herbalist's Orders
Anonymous
Key Points
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The February 5, 2026 arraignment at Magistrates’ Court No. 2, Nomansland, charged Umar Auwalu and the other suspects with eight counts, including conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery and rape.
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The Directorate of Public Prosecutions transferred the case to Kano State High Court in April after reviewing the investigative diary, elevating the matter to nine counts.
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The trial is currently being heard at Kano State High Court No. 11 before Justice Nasiru Saminu, with the defense calling witnesses as part of the proceedings.
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In court, Umar Auwalu admitted partial guilt, while his co-defendants Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu pleaded not guilty.
A 23-year-old man told a Kano court he killed seven people — his uncle's daughter and her six children — because a herbalist named Thomas told him to. Umar Auwalu made the confession at Kano State High Court, saying the herbalist gave him incense and ordered him to keep killing, according to Newsposl and OsunDefender.
The murders took place on January 17, 2026, in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano, Nigeria. The case has shaken the community and drawn attention to the role of traditional healers in violent crime across Northern Nigeria, according to Streamline Feed.
Herbalist Named as the Man Behind the Killings
Auwalu told the court that Thomas, a herbalist, gave the orders. He said Thomas provided him with incense as part of the instructions. Auwalu admitted partial guilt in court. His two co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, pleaded not guilty, according to Newsposl.
Auwalu also tried to protect his co-defendants in court. He said Chobe and Dayyabu had no part in the killings. He claimed police torture forced him to name them during the investigation. No independent confirmation of the torture claim has been reported, according to Gistmania.
Case Moved Up to High Court on Nine Counts
Police first arrested and charged Auwalu in February 2026. On February 5, he was arraigned at Magistrates' Court No. 2 in Nomansland, Kano. The original charge sheet listed eight counts, including conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery, and rape, according to OsunDefender.
In April, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions reviewed the investigative diary and transferred the case to Kano State High Court. The charge count rose from eight to nine. The trial is now before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11, according to Newsposl.
Court Hears Evidence as Trial Moves Forward
During proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence through Corporal Aliyu Jamilu of the Kano State Police. The defense also called its own witnesses. The court session ended with an adjournment. The next hearing is set for July 21, according to Gistmania.
Justice Saminu is overseeing a case that now carries nine formal counts against three defendants. Only Auwalu admitted any role in the killings. The other two men maintain their innocence as the trial continues, according to Newsposl.
Case Exposes Dangers of Unregulated Herbalists in the Region
The Kano case has put a spotlight on traditional healers in Northern Nigeria. These healers, sometimes called herbalists, operate largely without oversight. Analysts say some exploit vulnerable people with promises of power or protection, according to Streamline Feed.
Seven people are dead — a woman and her six children — allegedly because someone followed a herbalist's orders. The case raises urgent questions about how belief in ritual practices can lead to real and deadly violence. Kano authorities say they are pursuing full accountability, according to OsunDefender.
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