Police probe death of 13-year-old boarding student in Kano State

The Kano State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of 13-year-old JSS 2 student Maimuna Sani Salisu following allegations of conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of her death at St. Louis Secondary School, Kano.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the command disclosed that it received a petition dated June 17, 2026, from Nakudu Law Partners, legal representatives of Maimuna’s mother, Mrs Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff, requesting a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to the petition, school authorities informed the deceased’s parents on June 13 that the student had fallen ill and had been taken to International Clinic, Kano, for treatment.

Her elder sister was reportedly sent to the hospital immediately but was informed upon arrival that Maimuna had already been confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The teenager was buried the following day in accordance with Islamic rites.

However, the family raised concerns over what it described as conflicting explanations regarding the cause of death. While the school reportedly stated that Maimuna suffered a fatal asthma attack after arriving late for prayers at the mosque, the petition cited other testimonies alleging that she had been punished by senior students through flogging and prolonged kneeling for refusing to sweep, an ordeal that allegedly worsened her condition.

The family subsequently called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of death and ensure accountability where necessary.

Responding to the petition, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that the case be handled diligently, transparently and in accordance with due process.

As part of the response, the command constituted a Special Investigation Panel headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Shehu Idris. Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice have also been included on the panel to provide legal oversight.

The police said investigations began immediately, with three teachers, three senior female students and two female witnesses already invited and cooperating with investigators.

The command added that statements had been obtained and that medical, forensic and other evidentiary procedures were ongoing to establish the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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

The police assured the public that the panel’s findings and recommendations would be made public upon completion of the investigation and appealed to anyone with relevant information to come forward, assuring them that all information would be treated confidentially.

The command also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul.