The Court of Appeal in Kano affirmed the death sentence for Abdulmalik Tanko, the proprietor of Noble Kids Academy who kidnapped and murdered five‑year‑old Hanifa Abubakar in December 2021. Justice A.R. Muhammad delivered the judgment on 30 December 2025, dismissing Tanko’s appeal and stating that the trial court “acted correctly in law and properly evaluated the evidence” .
The original Kano State High Court had sentenced Tanko and his co‑accused Hashimu Isyaku to death by hanging on 28 July 2022, while Fatima Jibril received a two‑year prison term ³. The appellate court found the defence’s arguments “lacking in merit” and described the prosecution’s case as “compelling and convincing” .
Hanifa’s abduction involved a ransom demand of ₦6 million; Tanko allegedly poisoned her with rat poison before she died, sparking nationwide outrage because the crime was committed by the owner of the school she attended ².
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