High Court No. 6 in Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State has, in a landmark ruling that underscores “zero-tolerance” stance on gender-based violence sentenced Bashir Umar to life imprisonment for the rape of nine-year-old Khadija Isah.
The judgment, delivered Wednesday by Justice Musa Ubale, concludes a case that has gripped the state since early 2025. The court found Umar guilty on two counts: rape and causing grievous bodily harm.
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In addition to the life sentence, Umar received a seven-year term for the physical injuries inflicted upon the child and was ordered to pay N1 million Naira in compensation to the victim.
The court further directed the Ministry of Justice to enroll Bashir Umar’s name in the State’s Register of Sexual Offenders. This “Naming and Shaming” policy is part of a broader strategy by the Jigawa State Government to deter future offenders.
Rape case of Khadija Isah, a resident of Galamawa Dutse, sparked immediate intervention from the Jigawa State Government under Governor Umar Namadi as beyond the legal pursuit of the perpetrator, the state embarked on an extensive rehabilitation programme for Khadija, who suffered severe physical and mental trauma.
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In a significant show of support, Senator Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, and Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, the First Lady of Jigawa State, jointly funded the relocation of Khadija’s family to a fully furnished three-bedroom house in Dutse to ensure a safe environment for her recovery.
Bello Abdulkadir Fanini, the Attorney General of Jigawa State, while reacting immediately after the verdict, said, “The Government remains committed to its constitutional mandate to protect the life and dignity of our people.
“This judgment is guided by the law and driven by our 12-Point Agenda to ensure justice for the vulnerable”.
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