An elderly Islamic cleric, identified as Ladan Zubairu, was brutally murdered on Monday morning at Yusuf Garko Mosque in the Maraba Quarters area of Kano, triggering mob violence and widespread panic before security operatives restored calm.
The attacker, whose identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, was chased by enraged youths shortly after the incident, lynched, and his house set on fire, leading to significant destruction of property in the neighbourhood.
Speaking to journalists, the victim’s son, Isa Kasim, recounted that his father was attacked shortly after summoning worshippers for the early morning prayer.
“My father usually makes the first call to prayer and then sits briefly to recite supplications before the second call,” Kasim said.
“He had just finished the first call and was seated when someone entered the mosque with a weapon, grabbed him and slaughtered him. In short, his throat was slit.”
Kasim said residents quickly mobilised after the killing and tracked down the suspect.
“By the will of God, the attacker did not escape. Members of the community gathered, tracked him down and killed him,” he stated.
He further disclosed that a disturbing discovery was made after the suspect was lynched.
“The cleric’s severed throat was found wrapped in a nylon bag inside the suspect’s pocket,” Kasim revealed.
Confirming the incident, the Kano State Police Command described the killing as a “heinous crime.”
“A heinous crime was committed at Yusuf Garko Mosque, Maraba Quarters, Kano, where Ladan Malam Zubairu, a male resident of the area, was brutally slaughtered by an unknown assailant on Monday, 15th December 2025,” the police said in a statement.
The command noted that eyewitnesses confirmed the suspect was lynched by an angry mob, while his residence was also set ablaze.
“The mob also set ablaze the suspect’s residence, causing destruction to property. However, normalcy has been restored in the area with the deployment of security personnel to maintain law and order,” the statement added.
Police authorities disclosed that the victim’s severed throat was recovered from the suspect’s pocket, while both bodies were evacuated to the Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano.
“Both bodies have been certified dead and are awaiting autopsy,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed a thorough and comprehensive investigation with a view to bringing all perpetrators to justice,” the command stated.
The police also urged residents to remain calm and assist ongoing investigations.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and provide any information that may aid the investigation. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement assured.