Kano Police Probe Death of 13-Year-Old Schoolgirl Following Conflicting Reports

Kano police have launched a special investigation into the death of 13-year-old student Maimuna Sani Salisu after conflicting reports claimed she either died from an asthma attack or from injuries allegedly sustained during punishment by senior students at her school.

The Kano State Police Command has opened a full-scale investigation into the death of 13-year-old Maimuna Sani Salisu, a student of St. Louis Secondary School in Kano, after her family raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding her passing.

The investigation was initiated after the family, through their lawyers, submitted a petition to the police requesting a thorough examination of the events that led to the student’s death. According to the petition, school authorities informed Maimuna’s parents on June 13 that she had suddenly fallen ill and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Kano.

Following the notification, the deceased student’s elder sister reportedly rushed to the hospital to check on her condition. However, upon arrival, she was informed by medical personnel that Maimuna had already passed away. The teenager was later buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

The family became suspicious after receiving differing explanations about what caused the girl’s death. School officials allegedly maintained that she suffered a serious asthma attack after arriving late for prayers. However, other accounts suggested that she had been punished by senior students, including being flogged and forced to kneel for an extended period after refusing to carry out a cleaning assignment.

Concerned by the conflicting narratives, the family demanded an independent investigation to establish the true cause of death and determine whether any acts of negligence or misconduct were involved.

In response, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that a comprehensive and transparent inquiry be carried out. He subsequently approved the formation of a Special Investigation Panel to handle the case.

The panel is headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Shehu Idris. To ensure fairness and legal compliance, officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice were also included in the investigative team.

Police authorities disclosed that several individuals connected to the case have already been interviewed. Those questioned include three teachers, three senior female students, and two additional female witnesses. Their statements have been documented as investigators continue gathering evidence.

The command also revealed that medical examinations, forensic analyses, and other investigative procedures are ongoing as part of efforts to uncover the facts surrounding the student’s death.

Assuring the public of a fair process, the police stated that the investigation would be conducted without bias. They pledged that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law, while those found innocent would be exonerated.

The police further promised to make the findings of the investigation public once the panel concludes its work. Members of the public with useful information were encouraged to come forward, with assurances that any information provided would be treated confidentially.

The command also extended its condolences to Maimuna’s family, expressing sympathy over their loss and offering prayers for the repose of the young student’s soul.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY POST