Kano court sentences man to 20 years for raping an 85‑year‑old woman.

The Kano State High Court sentenced 32‑year‑old Muhammad Zulfalalu, known locally as “Mai Siket”, to 20 years in prison for raping an 85‑year‑old woman in Kiru Local Government Area.

Justice Aisha Mahmoud delivered the judgment, finding the defendant guilty on nine counts that included rape and housebreaking, concluding that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court imposed a 20‑year term for rape and an additional six years for housebreaking, with both sentences running concurrently. It also awarded the victim N500,000 in compensation.

Prosecution counsel Aisha Adamu stated that the offences occurred between August 2019 and June 2020 at Gidan Kwano, Kwanar Dangora, in Kiru LGA.

Adamu told the court that the defendant unlawfully entered the victim’s home at night and sexually assaulted her. She also alleged that Zulfalalu, known locally as “Mai Siket”, had a pattern of breaking into homes at night before his arrest.

The prosecution presented six witnesses and argued that the offences violated Sections 283 and 356 of the Penal Code.

In response to the verdict, Kano State Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice Abdulkarim Maude (SAN) described the conviction as a significant milestone in the state’s fight against sexual and gender‑based violence.

In a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr Abubakar Ibrahim, Maude said the judgment would strengthen public confidence in the justice system and demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.

He praised the prosecution team for its dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction, noting that the outcome reflected the effectiveness of the state’s justice system.