The prime suspect in the gruesome Dorayi Chiranci killings, Umar Auwalu, on Wednesday told the Kano State High Court that he killed his uncle’s daughter, Fatima Abubakar, and her six chpildren in compliance with an instruction by a herbalist.

Auwalu, 23, made the confession while defending himself before Justice Nasiru Saminu at High Court No. 11.

He said a herbalist and traditional healer named Thomas, allegedly gave him some incense and instructed him to continue committing similar crimes as he had done previously.

The suspect also absolved his co‑defendants, Isyaku Yakubu Chobe and Yakubu Dayyabu, of any involvement, claiming he only mentioned their names after suffering torture in police custody following his arrest.

During Wednesday’s session, government lawyers led by Safiya Yalwati and Zaharaddeen Hamisu Kofar Mata represented police investigator Corporal Aliyu Jamilu, while the defense team also brought forward witnesses.

The court then adjourned the hearing until July 21 for continuation of the trial.

It would be recalled that Dorayi Chiranci community was thrown into mourning on January 17 this year, when Fatima Abubakar and her six children were slaughtered in their home.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Auwalu, who is the nephew of the deceased, alongside two others.

They were first arraigned at Magistrates’ Court No. 2, Nomansland, on February 5, 2026, on an eight‑count charge including conspiracy, culpable homicide, robbery, and rape.

Following a review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the case was transferred to the High Court in April, where the suspects were re‑arraigned on nine counts.

While Auwalu admitted partial guilt, the other two pleaded not guilty. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)