Kebbi court postpones case against healthcare worker accused of causing fatalities of two children

The High Court of Justice in Kebbi State, sitting in Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, has postponed the trial of Hannatu James, a nurse accused of causing the deaths of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital in Zuru, until July 13, 2026.

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The case was adjourned due to the absence of James' lead counsel, who is currently ill, prompting the defence team to request a postponement, which was not opposed by the prosecution.

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Hannatu James is facing a single charge under Section 196 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021, specifically "death caused in the act of committing an offence", in connection with the alleged deaths of 7-year-old Zulaihat Sale and 3-year-old Mufida Sale.

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According to the charge, James administered quinine injection intravenously instead of through proper medical infusion to the two children on March 18, 2026, while they were admitted to the hospital, resulting in their loss of consciousness and subsequent death.

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When the case was called, Barrister Aishatu Abbas, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Kebbi State, appeared for the prosecution, while the defence team informed the court of their lead counsel's illness and requested an adjournment.

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The prosecution urged the defence to ensure they are fully prepared for the next hearing, noting that witnesses had travelled from Zuru to attend the proceedings, and Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar granted the adjournment request.

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Justice Umar directed the defence team to be properly prepared for the next hearing and allowed for any available counsel from the chamber to take over the case if necessary, while also instructing the court registry to convey the court's apology to the witnesses.

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The judge attributed the adjournment solely to the illness of the defence counsel, and the matter was subsequently postponed until July 13, 2026, for further hearing.