Kano Football Coach Sentenced to 8 Years Imprisonment for Sexually Assaulting Minor Player

Story: written by Uzuh Rita October 16,2025
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.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad found the defendant guilty of sodomy under Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises such offences. The sentence carries no option of fine.

According to court documents, the offence occurred twice in separate locations within the Sanka area of Kano metropolis. Despite pleading not guilty, the court found overwhelming evidence against him.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses, including the victim, to substantiate the charges. Hayatu, however, chose to testify alone in his defence.

After evaluating the testimonies and evidence presented, the judge concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Consequently, Justice Dahuru sentenced Hayatu to four years imprisonment on each count, with the terms to run concurrently, meaning he will serve eight years in total starting from the date of judgment.

The ruling serves as a stern warning against sexual abuse, particularly within youth sports programs in Nigeria.