Kano State High Court sentenced one of its coaches, Hayatu Muhammad to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting his underage player at separate locations.
A Kano State High Court has sentenced a local football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting one of his underage players. The court found him guilty on two counts of sodomy, following a trial that revealed multiple incidents of abuse.
The verdict, delivered on Wednesday October 15, 2025, by Justice Musa Dahiru Muhammad at the Kano State High Court on Miller Road, convicted the coach without the option of a fine. The ruling marks a decisive stance by the court against sexual abuse involving minors and those in positions of authority.
According to the prosecution, led by Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, the defendant, a resident of the Sanka area in Kano, was arrested after police investigations confirmed that he had assaulted the boy on two separate occasions. The prosecution presented two witnesses whose testimonies were critical in establishing the coach’s guilt.
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During the proceedings, Muhammad denied the charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. However, Justice Dahiru ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the consistency of witness statements and corroborating evidence presented in court.
The judge noted that the offences violated Section 284 of the Penal Code, which prohibits what it terms “unnatural sexual acts.” He subsequently sentenced the coach to four years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, meaning Muhammad will serve a total of eight years behind bars. The sentence will take effect from the date of his arrest.
Legal observers described the case as an important reminder of the need to protect children from exploitation within sports and community programs. Child rights advocates in Kano have also urged authorities to strengthen screening and oversight of individuals working with minors, particularly in informal sporting environments where supervision may be limited.
The judgment has been widely welcomed by members of the public and rights groups, who say it sends a strong message about accountability and the consequences of abuse. Many have called on law enforcement agencies to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure victims of sexual violence are supported and encouraged to report cases promptly.
As the convict begins his prison term, the ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing resolve to clamp down on child sexual abuse, particularly in contexts where young people look up to adults as mentors or coaches.
