Kano Police Nab Nephew as Prime Suspect in Brutal Killing of Mother, Six Children

The Kano State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children, with the arrest of a 23-year-old man identified as the deceased woman’s nephew, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime.
The victims were discovered lifeless in their residence on January 17, 2026, at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano metropolis, a development that sparked widespread outrage and grief within and outside the state.

Police authorities disclosed that the arrest followed a swift, intelligence-led operation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, which enabled detectives to trace and apprehend the suspects within 24 hours of the incident.
The principal suspect, Umar Auwalu, a resident of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, was arrested during a coordinated overnight raid carried out between late Saturday and early Sunday.
Two other suspects were also taken into custody in connection with the killings. They include Isyaku Yakubu, 40, popularly known as Chebe, from Sagagi Quarters, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, also known as Wawo, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, preliminary investigations revealed that Auwalu was a close relative of the deceased, a relationship investigators believe facilitated his access to the family home.
Kiyawa stated that the suspect made confessional statements linking himself and the other suspects to the crime. He further disclosed that Auwalu is also being investigated for alleged involvement in other violent offences, including a separate case involving two women in Tudun Yola Quarters.
Items recovered during the operation include clothing, mobile phones belonging to the victims, cash, and weapons suspected to have been used in carrying out the attack.
The Kano State Police Command commended its officers for their prompt response and acknowledged the role of members of the public who provided vital intelligence that led to the arrests.
Police assured residents that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify any additional accomplices, reiterating their commitment to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice in accordance with the law.