KANO, Nigeria — Three suspects landed in a Kano High Court on Wednesday, facing serious charges over an armed robbery that turned fatal at Alhaji Musa Tukur’s residence. Justice Yusuf Ubale Mohammed, presiding over High Court No. 2 at Audu Bako Secretariat, remanded Sanusi Musa, Nuhu Ibrahim and Baballe Usaini in a correctional facility until the next hearing.

Barrister Hannatu Abdulmalik, representing the prosecution, laid out the case. Court Registrar Sa’id Idris Maiturare read the charges: criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide not punishable with death. The men, all from the Kano area, stood accused of plotting the nighttime intrusion.

Prosecutors claim the trio forced their way into Alhaji Musa’s home armed with dangerous weapons. One victim died during the robbery, according to the charges. Security forces arrested the suspects shortly after and handed them over to authorities.

Sanusi Musa, Nuhu Ibrahim and Baballe Usaini each pleaded not guilty. They denied conspiring or carrying out the crimes. The courtroom stayed tense as the judge delivered his order. No bail was granted. The men will remain behind bars while investigations continue.

The incident highlights rising concerns over armed robberies in northern Nigeria. Kano State police have ramped up patrols in residential areas following a string of similar break-ins. Officials report dozens of such cases in the past year alone, often involving violence.

Alhaji Musa Tukur, a prominent local figure, escaped unharmed but lost a family member in the attack. Neighbors described hearing shouts and gunfire late at night. Police arrived within minutes, apprehending two suspects on the spot and tracking down the third nearby.

Justice Mohammed set the next court date for further proceedings. Prosecutors must now present evidence, including witness statements and any recovered weapons. Defense lawyers hinted at challenging the arrests, calling them hasty.

This case draws from a broader crackdown on violent crime in Kano. Last month, a similar robbery gang faced trial in the same court. Convictions have led to lengthy sentences, deterring some but not stopping others. State Attorney General Haruna Dederi urged residents to report suspicious activity.

Figures from the Kano Police Command show armed robbery incidents up 15% this year. They link the surge to economic pressures pushing desperate individuals into crime. Community leaders call for more job programs alongside tougher policing.

The remand order keeps the suspects off the streets. Families of the accused gathered outside the court, protesting innocence. Alhaji Musa’s relatives, meanwhile, seek justice for the slain victim. The trial promises to test Kano’s judicial response to escalating violence.