A Kano man accused of killing and dismembering his friend after the latter allegedly sought prayers for financial prosperity has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge before the state High Court.
The defendant, Abdullahi Sulaiman, popularly known as Babangida, entered the plea when the case came up before Justice Faruk Lawan at the Audu Bako Secretariat court complex in Kano.
Sulaiman is accused of killing Muhammad Salisu Jadalla after the deceased allegedly approached him for prayers to improve his financial fortunes.
According to the allegations, the defendant asked Jadalla for money, which he reportedly brought later that evening. Jadalla subsequently sought permission to spend the night at Sulaiman’s house, where the alleged killing occurred.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel Salisu Tahir, alongside Basiru Kabir, presented the murder charge under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution sought the court’s permission to call witnesses. The request was granted.
The head of the neighbourhood patrol team in Sheka Sabuwar Abuja and the ward head, Usman Umar Zakari, testified during the proceedings.
The court adjourned the case until November 9, 2026, for continuation of the trial.