I Was Told by a Herbalist to Kpai Them — Suspect Admits to Murdering His Aunt and Her 6 Children

The prime suspect in the gruesome Dorayi Chiranchi killings, Auwalu, 23, has told the Kano State High Court that he murdered his aunt, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children after allegedly receiving instructions from a herbalist.

Auwalu made the claim during his trial on Wednesday while defending himself before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11 in Kano.

According to him, the herbalist, identified as Thomas, allegedly gave him an incense and instructed him to continue carrying out similar crimes as he had done previously.

The suspect also exonerated his co-defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, insisting they had no involvement in the killings. He claimed he only mentioned their names after allegedly being tortured while in police custody following his arrest.

During the proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Safiya Yalwati and Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata, presented Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, the police investigator, as a witness. The defence team also called witnesses before the court.

Justice Nasiru Saminu subsequently adjourned the case until July 21 for the continuation of hearing.

The case is connected to the tragic killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children, who were found murdered on January 17, 2026, in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano State.

The suspects were initially arraigned before Magistrates’ Court No. 2, Nomansland, on February 5, 2026, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery, and rape.

Following a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the matter was transferred to the High Court in April, where the suspects were re-arraigned on a nine-count charge.

While Auwalu admitted partial guilt during the proceedings, his two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.