Zainab Labbo, a 65-year-old woman, was given twelve strokes of cane in Isa town, Sokoto State over witchcraft allegations.
The incident happened at the palace of the District Head, Alhaji
Nasiru Malami Ahmed, in response to a complaint made against her by a
daughter-in-law.
Nasiru Malami Ahmed, in response to a complaint made against her by a
daughter-in-law.
The daughter-in-law alleged Zainab
of using witchcraft to make her son maltreat her, the daughter-in-law. The
palace authorities then quickly tried Zainab and found her guilty.
of using witchcraft to make her son maltreat her, the daughter-in-law. The
palace authorities then quickly tried Zainab and found her guilty.
Zainab, however denied the allegation
to journalists and confirmed that the twelve strokes were administered on her
by the palace guards on the order of the District Head.
to journalists and confirmed that the twelve strokes were administered on her
by the palace guards on the order of the District Head.
Aggrieved residents at a press
conference said that she was not the first victim to suffer such an unjust
treatment by palace authorities. A resident speaking to the press said:
conference said that she was not the first victim to suffer such an unjust
treatment by palace authorities. A resident speaking to the press said:
Our people are under siege by the gross and jungle
justice of the palace authorities but nobody was ready to speak out before now
justice of the palace authorities but nobody was ready to speak out before now
We are just courageous enough to invite you people
(journalists) to Isa town and see things for yourselves. We have decided to
tell the whole world what we are passing through
(journalists) to Isa town and see things for yourselves. We have decided to
tell the whole world what we are passing through
However, reacting on behalf of the
District Head, Alhaji Aliyu Sarkin-Yamma, who is his younger brother and
Village Head of Tsabre area, described the the allegations as unfounded.
District Head, Alhaji Aliyu Sarkin-Yamma, who is his younger brother and
Village Head of Tsabre area, described the the allegations as unfounded.
He explained that all disputes
lodged at the palace are handled in accordance with the dictates of Shari’ah
Law and said they are running the affairs of the people with the absolute fear
of God.
lodged at the palace are handled in accordance with the dictates of Shari’ah
Law and said they are running the affairs of the people with the absolute fear
of God.