Three of the four accused persons currently facing trial over the murder of three year-old Zainab Tanimu Ayuba have admitted the killing.

They also said they were hired by the former chairman of Gwaram Local Government in Jigawa State Alhaji Auwalu Sule Kila, an allegation he vehemently denied.

When the case was mentioned before Chief Magistrate's Court (1) in Dutse presided over by Chief Magistrate Malam Aisha Ahmad, the three accused persons accepted guilt. The former chairman, Alhaji Auwalu Sule Kila, who was accused of sponsoring the murder, disputed the allegation saying he neither conspired with the three accused persons to carry out the murder, nor did he sponsor them as claimed by the three.

Kila told the court, "All the charges levelled against me are nothing but lies. I have never sponsored anybody to terminate someone's life. I did not sponsor anybody to kill Zainab". The former chairman and also former House of Representatives member from Gwaram federal constituency and three others were charged to the court for conspiracy and culpable homicide.

However, counsel to the former local government chairman, Barrister Muhammad Adamu Gausu applied for the bail of his client, an application that was vehemently objected by the state counsel, Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi. The presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Aisha Ahmad adjourned the case till November 12 for ruling on the bail application.