Kebbi court postpones nurse trial over alleged deaths of two minors

By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin Kebbi

BIRNIN KEBBI — The High Court of Justice in Kebbi State, sitting in the Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, adjourned the trial of nurse Hannatu James on Monday. James is accused of causing the deaths of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital in Zuru.

The hearing was postponed until 13 July 2026 because the defendant’s lead counsel was reported to be ill and could not appear.

James faces a single charge of “death caused in the act of committing an offence” under Section 196 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021. She was arraigned before Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar of High Court No. 2, Birnin Kebbi, and entered a plea of not guilty.

The charge alleges that on 18 March 2026, James injected quinine intravenously instead of using the proper medical infusion for 7‑year‑old Zulaihat Sale and 3‑year‑old Mufida Sale while they were admitted to the hospital. The prosecution claims the improper injection caused the children to lose consciousness and die shortly thereafter.

During the session, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Kebbi State, Barr. Aishatu Abbas, appeared for the prosecution along with other legal officers.

Defence counsel informed the court that the lead counsel was indisposed and requested an adjournment. The prosecution did not contest the request but urged the defence to be fully prepared for the rescheduled hearing, noting that witnesses had travelled from Zuru for the proceedings.

Justice Umar granted the adjournment and instructed the defence team to ensure proper preparation. He also stated that any available counsel from the chamber could take over the case if necessary.

The judge ordered the court registry to convey an apology to the witnesses, explaining that the adjournment was solely due to the illness of the defence counsel.

The trial has been rescheduled for 13 July 2026.