Court Postpones Trial of Nurse Charged in Deaths of Two Minors in Kebbi

On Monday, the High Court of Justice of Kebbi State, convened in the Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, adjourned the trial of nurse Hannatu James, who is charged with the alleged deaths of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital in Zuru.

Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar postponed the case to July 13, 2026, after the defendant’s lead counsel was absent due to illness.

James faces a single count of “death caused in the act of committing an offence” under Section 196 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021, and she has previously pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution alleges that on March 18, 2026, James caused the deaths of seven‑year‑old Zulaihat Sale and three‑year‑old Mufida Sale by administering a quinine injection intravenously, rather than via the appropriate medical infusion, while the children were under treatment at the hospital.

The prosecution contends that this procedure led to the children losing consciousness and dying soon after.

During the resumed hearing, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, Aishatu Abbas, represented the prosecution together with other state counsel.

A lawyer from the defendant’s chambers notified the court that the lead counsel was indisposed and requested an adjournment.

While the prosecution did not contest the request, it urged the defense to be prepared for the next session, noting that witnesses had traveled from Zuru.

Justice Umar granted the adjournment and advised the defense team to prepare adequately, stating that any available counsel from the chamber could take over the case if needed.

The judge instructed the court registry to convey an apology to the witnesses, emphasizing that the adjournment was solely due to the defense counsel’s illness.

The case was set for a hearing on July 13.