Abdulmalik Tanko, the proprietor of Nobel Kids Academy and North West Preparatory School, has been handed a death sentence by the Kano State High Court on Thursday for the kidnapping and murder of Hanifa Abubakar, a five-year-old schoolgirl.
Tanko also got a five-year prison term by Justice Usman Na’abba, the presiding judge, for the four counts brought against him.
This means that Tanko is expected to first serve the five-year jail term before facing the hangman.
Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor of Kano State, had earlier this year threatened to swiftly approve a death sentence if it were to be handed down by the court.
Hanifa attended Noble Kids Comprehensive College, a school situated in Kwanar ‘Yan Gana in Tudun Murtala Quarters in the state’s Nassarawa Local Government Area, up to the time of her death.
She was taken hostage by Mr. Tanko, who reportedly killed her in December of last year after demanding a ransom from her parents.
Reported by Latunji Franklyn. Edited by Ken Obi for Clariform.
