Police investigate death of 13‑year‑old boarding student in Kano State

The Kano State Police Command has begun investigating the death of 13‑year‑old JSS 2 student Maimuna Sani Salisu, amid conflicting reports about the circumstances at St. Louis Secondary School in Kano.

A statement released on Thursday said the command received a petition dated 17 June 2026 from Nakudu Law Partners, the legal representatives of Maimuna’s mother, Mrs Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff, asking for a detailed investigation.

The petition claims that school officials notified the parents on 13 June that the student had fallen ill and was taken to International Clinic in Kano for treatment.

Her older sister was taken to the hospital right away, only to learn upon arrival that medical staff had already confirmed Maimuna’s death.

The teenager was buried the next day following Islamic rites.

The family, however, expressed concerns about conflicting explanations for the cause of death. While the school said Maimuna suffered a fatal asthma attack after arriving late for mosque prayers, the petition cited other testimonies claiming she was punished by senior students with flogging and prolonged kneeling for refusing to sweep, an ordeal that allegedly aggravated her condition.

The family has called for a thorough investigation to ascertain the true cause of death and hold those responsible accountable.

In response, Kano State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori directed that the case be handled diligently, transparently, and in accordance with due process.

The command formed a Special Investigation Panel led by Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the Criminal Investigation Department, Shehu Idris, and included officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice for legal oversight.

Investigations commenced immediately, with three teachers, three senior female students and two female witnesses already invited and cooperating.

The command added that statements had been taken and that medical, forensic and other evidentiary procedures are underway to determine the exact cause of death and the surrounding circumstances.

The statement said, “The investigation will be thorough, impartial, and transparent. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, while those exonerated will be cleared accordingly.”

The police assured