Kano shuts down school where abducted five-year-old pupil was buried 

The Kano state government has ordered the immediate closure of Noble Kids Academy, a private school at Kwanar Dakata, in the Nassarawa LGA where the body Hanifa Abubakar, a five-year-old pupil was buried.

The pupil was kidnapped in December and her abductors had demanded N6 million ransom.

On Thursday, the police in Kano arrested Abdulmalik Tanko, Abubakar’s teacher (pictured) who allegedly abducted and killed her. 

The police had said on investigation, Tanko confessed that he kidnapped the victim and took her to his house where he contacted her relatives and demanded the ransom. 

“On the 18/12/2021, having realised that the victim recognised him, he claimed to have poisoned her to death, conspired with one Hashim Isyaku, ‘m’, took and buried her in a shallow grave located at the private school premises located at Kwanar ‘Yan Gana, Tudun Murtala Quarters, Nassarawa LGA, Kano State,” the police said in a statement. 

The body was exhumed and taken to Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital Kano where she was confirmed dead.

Muhammad Kiru, Kano commissioner for education, while announcing the closure of the school on Friday said “the state government would commence an investigation of unregistered private schools and teachers to check such criminal activities”.

“The school has also been closed till further notice,” he said. 

The police had also said the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Since the incident happened, Nigerians have started a campaign with the hashtag #JusticeForHanifa, calling on the authorities to ensure justice on the matter.