Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The High Court of Justice, Kebbi State, sitting in the Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, on Monday adjourned the trial of a nurse, Hannatu James, who is facing prosecution over the alleged death of two minors at the Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital in Zuru. Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar adjourned the matter until July 13, 2026, following the absence of the defendant's lead counsel, who was reported to be ill.
James is standing trial on a one‑count charge of “death caused in the act of committing an offence” contrary to Section 196 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021. She had earlier been arraigned before Justice Umar and pleaded not guilty. According to the charge, the defendant allegedly caused the death of seven‑year‑old Zulaihat Sale and three‑year‑old Mufida Sale 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 afterwards.
When the matter was called on Monday, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Aishatu Abbas, appeared for the prosecution alongside other legal officers. A counsel from the defendant’s chambers informed the court that the lead counsel was indisposed and applied for an 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.
The tragic deaths of the two sisters at the Zuru General Hospital in March sparked public outrage and prompted an investigation by the Kebbi State Government, which involved the police and the Department of State Services (DSS). Two nurses were initially arrested following the incident, and a doctor was later exonerated. The Kebbi State Government also donated N10 million to the family of the deceased sisters.
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