The police have stated that the attack was sparked by a family dispute, and they have the suspect under arrest.

A 38-year-old man, identified as Shafi'u Abubakar, reportedly set ablaze a mosque in the Gezawa area of Kano State on Wednesday while worshippers were praying.

Information gathered indicates that Abubakar locked up the mosque, poured petrol, and ignited the mosque while worshippers were observing the early morning Subhi prayers.

Confirming the incident, SP Abdullahi Haruna, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, stated that the primary suspect has been apprehended and no fatalities have been reported.

SP Haruna elaborated that the suspect claimed to have carried out the act as retribution for perceived injustices during inheritance distribution.

He further disclosed that the area has been sealed off, and twenty-four individuals, comprising 20 adult males and 4 male children, were evacuated and taken to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano for medical attention.

According to SP Haruna, the Kano State Commissioner of Police swiftly dispatched the command's specialized teams, including experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), along with Crime-Scene Policemen, to manage the situation.

"Forensic analysis at this preliminary stage revealed a suspected petrol explosion, of which full investigation ongoing.

The principal suspect has been identified and arrested; he is Shafi’u Abubakar, aged 38, who said his action was purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement over sharing of inheritance, of which those that he alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment, and he did that for his voice to be heard.

“While the suspect is currently in police custody, detailed investigation is ongoing and will be made public in due course,” SP Haruna stated.