By Sabiu Abdullahi
The High Court of Justice in Kebbi State has postponed proceedings in the trial of a nurse, Hannatu James, who is facing prosecution over the alleged death of two minors at Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital in Zuru.
Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar, who presided over the matter at the Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division on Monday, fixed July 13, 2026, for continuation of hearing after the lead counsel for the defendant was reported to be ill and absent from court.
James is being prosecuted 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.
The defendant had earlier entered a not guilty plea.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 18, 2026, during treatment of seven-year-old Zulaihat Sale and three-year-old Mufida Sale at the hospital.
Prosecutors alleged that the nurse administered quinine injection intravenously instead of using the approved medical infusion process. The state further claimed that the children lost consciousness after the procedure and died shortly afterwards.
At Monday’s sitting, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, Aishatu Abbas, led the prosecution team alongside other government lawyers.
A counsel from the defence chamber informed the court that the lead lawyer handling the case was indisposed and requested an adjournment.
The prosecution did not oppose the request. However, state counsel asked the defence team to ensure readiness at the next hearing because witnesses had travelled from Zuru to attend the proceedings.
Justice Umar subsequently granted the application for adjournment. The judge also advised the defence to make proper arrangements ahead of the next sitting, stating that any available lawyer from the chamber could proceed with the matter if necessary.
The court further directed its registry to convey apologies to the witnesses, noting that the postponement resulted from the illness of the defence counsel.
The matter was adjourned until July 13 for hearing.
