Kano court begins trial of TikToker accused of boyfriend’s murder

Magistrate Court No. 2 in Kano has commenced hearing in the case filed by the Kano State Government against TikToker Fatima Abdullahi, popularly known as Fati Cele, over the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Isma’il Sidi, also known as Isma’il Buzu.

During proceedings before Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf Sulaiman on Thursday, the charge was read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, Barrister Muhammad Aliyu Umar, asked the court to adjourn the matter for further hearing. However, counsel to the defendant applied for bail, arguing that Fatima was suffering from injuries sustained from burns to her hands, legs and face and required medical attention.

Opposing the application, the prosecution argued that the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail in the case.

“The court does not have the jurisdiction to grant bail in this matter, and there are medical personnel available to attend to her at the correctional facility,” the prosecution counsel told the court.

The court adjourned the case until July 20, 2026, for further consideration and ordered that the defendant remain in custody while receiving appropriate medical care.

According to the police investigation, Fatima and the deceased allegedly had a violent altercation on the day of the incident, during which she was accused of striking him with an object, causing severe bleeding.

Investigators further alleged that she set the house on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence and obstruct the investigation.