Police Link Suspect to Kano Family Murder Case After Video Emerges

A video showing a key suspect at the scene of a multiple homicide has intensified public attention on the Kano family murder case, after it was shared online by Kano-based newscaster Sadiya Yahaya Isah.

The footage reportedly shows Umar Auwalu, identified by police as the principal suspect, assisting in the removal of bodies from the crime scene. According to authorities, Umar is the nephew of the deceased housewife and is alleged to have masterminded the attack.

Police said the victims were Fatima Abubakar and her six children: Maimuna Haruna, Aisha Haruna, Bashir Haruna, Abubakar Haruna, Faruk Haruna, and Abdulsalam Haruna. The incident occurred last Saturday inside their home in Kano.

Authorities further confirmed that two of the children, including a newborn, were later found in a nearby well, deepening the shock surrounding the Kano family murder case.

One of the images circulating online shows Umar carrying one of the victims, a development that has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed conversations around violent crime in Kano and the ethical spread of graphic content online.

Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations conducted between the evening of January 17 and the early hours of January 18. The operation was carried out under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

“The principal suspect confessed to masterminding the attack and admitted that the same syndicate has been involved in a series of violent attacks and killings in parts of Kano metropolis,” Kiyawa stated.

Police have not released further operational details, citing ongoing investigations. However, officials say the Kano family murder case forms part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal syndicates responsible for recurring violence within the city.

The incident has left residents grappling with fear and grief, while also raising concerns about community safety, early warning signs, and the need for stronger local intelligence networks.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading distressing images and to cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information that could aid prosecution.