Five Sentenced to Death in Nigeria for Murder Linked to Witchcraft Accusation

In a significant legal ruling, five men have been sentenced to death by hanging in Kano state, Nigeria, for the murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, whom they accused of witchcraft. The brutal attack occurred on her farm, where the suspects allegedly beat and stabbed her to death, following a dream experienced by the wife of one of the accused that depicted Abubakar as a threat, according to prosecutor Abba Sorondiki. The case, which highlighted the dangers surrounding witchcraft accusations in rural Nigeria, has drawn national attention and sparked discussions on the issue. Reports indicate that such accusations can often lead to violence, driven by community beliefs that link misfortunes to witchcraft, as noted by officials. “The prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Judge Usman Na'abba stated during the ruling. Abubakar's family has expressed relief at the verdict. Her son, Musa Yahaya, stated, “I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother.” The defense has indicated plans to appeal the ruling. While the death penalty is technically on the books, it is seldom enforced in Nigeria.

Research conducted by the Ineos Oxford Institute has revealed that houseflies in Nigerian hospitals may be spreading drug-resistant bacteria among patients. According to the study, which analyzed 1,396 flies collected from eight hospitals across six cities, many of the insects carried bacteria resistant to vital antibiotics, including those reserved for last-resort treatments. Dr. Chioma Achi, the project's lead, indicated that while the study cannot definitively conclude that flies are the vectors of these infections, the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the sampled bacteria is concerning. She noted that houseflies, which consume feces, could transmit pathogens from contaminated surfaces to patients, thus posing a significant risk, particularly in tropical low- and middle-income countries where flies are prevalent. The research further highlights that Nigeria ranked 20th globally in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) death rates, with 263,400 fatalities attributed to AMR in 2019. The findings, published in Environment International, may also inform future interventions to reduce AMR linked to insects in healthcare settings.

In Koko, Nigeria, the Nanna Living History Museum commemorates the legacy of Nanna Olomu, a merchant prince exiled by the British in 1894. Despite being designated a national monument in 1990, the museum suffers from severe underfunding and lacks essential facilities, including air conditioning and proper pest control, as reported by Eromo Egbejule in The Guardian. The museum showcases artefacts significant to Olomu's life, including items gifted by colonial administrators. Henry Erikowa, chair of the museum's advisory board, noted its unique status as the only living history museum among Nigeria's 52 museums. However, Ibrahim Kadiri, a museum education officer, expressed frustration at the lack of government funding, saying they often have to beg for financial support to maintain the museum. As discussions on cultural reparations gain momentum, experts like Allegra Ayida highlight the need for a broader understanding of colonial impacts beyond well-known cases like the invasion of Benin. The museum hopes that increasing visibility will bring much-needed assistance and recognition to its historical significance.