The Kano State Government has arraigned a man, Ali Sulaiman Adam, before the Kano State High Court over the alleged murder of his wife, Maryam Nababa Badamasi, and the alleged burning of the room where the incident occurred.
The defendant, who is from Gadon Kaya community, appeared before Kano State High Court No. 15 on charges of culpable homicide and arson.
During the court session, Ali pleaded not guilty to both charges after they were read to him.
The case has been adjourned until July 27, when the court is expected to hear a fresh application for his bail.
According to court documents, the Kano State Government filed a two-count charge against the defendant, accusing him of causing the death of his wife and deliberately setting the room where the incident took place on fire.
Although prosecutors did not give full details of the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing during Thursday’s proceedings, they maintained that the defendant has a case to answer.
The prosecution counsel, Barrister Lamido Abba Sorondinki, informed the court that the state was ready to prosecute the matter and requested an adjournment to enable it present witnesses who would testify during the trial.
Sorondinki said the prosecution intended to call its witnesses to establish the allegations against the defendant.
On his part, counsel to the defendant, Barrister A. A. Dabo, urged the court to allow his client to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted by the Gezawa Division of the Kano State High Court.
The defence lawyer argued that the existing bail should remain valid while the case proceeds before the new court.
However, Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji declined to immediately grant the request.
Following the court’s position, the defence counsel sought permission to file a fresh application asking the court to grant the defendant bail.
The trial judge granted the request and adjourned the matter until July 27 to hear the new bail application.
The case is expected to continue after the court decides whether the defendant should remain in custody or be released on bail pending trial.
Under Nigeria’s criminal justice system, a defendant charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
This means that although the state has accused Ali of murder and arson, the prosecution must present evidence to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt before any conviction can be secured.
Culpable homicide is among the most serious offences under Nigeria’s criminal laws and carries severe penalties upon conviction.
Similarly, arson, which involves deliberately setting property on fire, is treated as a serious criminal offence because it often endangers lives and destroys property.
The trial is expected to focus on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence, including witness testimonies and any forensic findings connected to the incident.
Domestic violence and family-related killings have continued to attract public concern across Nigeria in recent years.
Civil society organisations and women’s rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger measures to prevent domestic abuse and ensure that victims receive timely protection.
The Federal Government and several state governments have introduced laws and policies aimed at addressing gender-based violence and improving support for victims.
Many states, including Kano, have also established agencies and committees responsible for responding to cases involving domestic abuse, sexual violence and child protection.
The arraignment of Ali Sulaiman Adam marks the beginning of formal criminal proceedings in the case.
As the trial progresses, the prosecution will be required to present witnesses and other evidence to support the charges of culpable homicide and arson.
The defence will also have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present its own arguments before the court reaches a decision.
For now, the court has fixed July 27 to consider the defendant’s fresh bail application, after which the trial is expected to continue in accordance with the law.