Court adjourns trial of nurse over death of two minors in Kebbi

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 charges over the alleged death of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital, Zuru.

Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar adjourned the matter until July 13, 2026, following the absence of the defendant’s lead counsel, who was said 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 pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the prosecution, 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 receiving treatment at the hospital.

The prosecution alleged that the procedure caused the children to lose consciousness and die shortly afterwards.

At the resumed hearing, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, Aishatu Abbas, appeared for the prosecution alongside other state counsel.

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

Although the prosecution did not oppose the application, it urged the defence to ensure readiness at the next sitting, noting that witnesses had travelled from Zuru for the proceedings.

Justice Umar granted the application and advised the defence team to ensure proper preparation, adding that any available counsel from the chamber could handle the case if necessary.

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

The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 13 for hearing.