A Kano State High Court has sentenced 32-year-old Muhammad Zulfalalu, popularly known as “Mai siket,” to 20 years' imprisonment for raping an 85-year-old woman. The court also imposed a six-year sentence for housebreaking, with both terms to run concurrently, and ordered N500,000 in compensation to the victim.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
Zulfalalu, a resident of Gidan Kwano, Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area, was arrested on June 9, 2020. During interrogation, he confessed to having raped more than 40 females in a year, including girls and married women. The offences occurred between August 2019 and June 2020 in Gidan Kwano.
The prosecution, led by Aisha Yakubu-Adamu, presented six witnesses to the court. She stated that the defendant unlawfully entered the victim's residence at night and raped her. Zulfalalu had a pattern of entering homes at night while naked to rape young girls and women before his arrest.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Justice Aisha Mahmoud held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant pleaded guilty to the nine-count charge bordering on rape and housebreaking. The judge sentenced Zulfalalu to 20 years for rape and six years for housebreaking, with the sentences running concurrently. Additionally, the court awarded N500,000 as compensation to the 85-year-old victim.
The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 283 and 356 of the Penal Code.
Official Reactions and Commitment to Justice
Reacting to the judgment, Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude (SAN), described the conviction as a significant step towards strengthening public confidence in the justice system and protecting vulnerable persons from abuse and exploitation. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abubakar Tijjani-Ibrahim, Kabiru-Maude commended Principal State Counsel Aisha Yakubu-Adamu for the successful prosecution.
“Sexual and gender-based violence constitute serious threats to society,” Kabiru-Maude said, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, and supporting the government’s vision of a secure, just and inclusive society under Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf.
