Kebbi court adjourns trial of nurse over alleged death of two minors

By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin Kebbi

BIRNIN KEBBI — The High Court of Justice, Kebbi State, sitting in Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, on Monday adjourned the trial of a nurse, Hannatu James, who is standing trial over the alleged death of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital, Zuru.

The case was adjourned to July 13, 2026, following the absence of the defendant’s lead counsel, who was reported to be ill.

James is facing a one-count charge of “death caused in the act of committing an offence” under Section 196 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021. She had earlier been arraigned before Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar of High Court No. 2, Birnin Kebbi, and pleaded not guilty.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly caused the death of Zulaihat Sale, 7, and Mufida Sale, 3, on March 18, 2026, after administering quinine injection intravenously instead of through proper medical infusion while the children were on admission at the hospital.

The prosecution alleged that the procedure led to the minors losing consciousness and dying shortly after.

When the matter was called, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Kebbi State, Barr. Aishatu Abbas, appeared for the prosecution alongside other legal officers.

Counsel from the defendant’s chambers informed the court that the lead counsel was indisposed and applied for adjournment.

The prosecution did not oppose the application but urged the defence to ensure full readiness for the next hearing date, noting that witnesses had travelled from Zuru for the proceedings.

Justice Umar granted the request and directed the defence team to ensure proper preparation, adding that any available counsel from the chamber could take over the case if necessary.

The judge also directed the court registry to convey the court’s apology to the witnesses, noting that the adjournment was due solely to the illness of the defence counsel.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 13, 2026, for hearing.

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