The Kano State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the death of 13-year-old Maimuna Sani Salisu, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) boarding student of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, following a petition submitted by her family.
The petition, dated June 17, 2026, was filed by Nakudu Law Partners on behalf of the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff, seeking a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
According to the petition, the school authorities informed the family on June 13, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m. that Maimuna had fallen ill and was receiving treatment at the International Clinic, Kano. Her elder sister was immediately dispatched to the hospital but was informed upon arrival that the student had already been confirmed dead.
The deceased was subsequently buried on June 14 in accordance with Islamic rites.
The family, however, raised concerns over what it described as conflicting accounts regarding the cause of death. While school authorities reportedly stated that the student died following an asthma attack after arriving late to the mosque, other testimonies allegedly suggested that she had been subjected to punishment by senior students, including flogging and prolonged kneeling, for refusing to sweep.
According to the petitioners, the alleged punishment may have worsened her medical condition, prompting the family to demand an independent investigation to determine the true cause of death and establish accountability where necessary.
Responding to the petition, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that the matter be investigated thoroughly, transparently and in strict compliance with the rule of law.
To facilitate the process, the Command constituted a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Shehu Idris.
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and inter-agency collaboration, officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice have also been included in the panel to provide legal guidance and oversight throughout the investigation.
The panel commenced work immediately and has already invited key individuals connected to the case for questioning. Those invited include three teachers of St. Louis Secondary School, comprising one male and two female staff members; three female senior students of the school; and two additional female witnesses believed to possess relevant information.
Police authorities disclosed that statements have been obtained while medical, forensic and other evidentiary processes are ongoing to establish the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Kano State Police Command assured the bereaved family, the school community and the general public that the investigation would be impartial, transparent and comprehensive.
The Command pledged that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while those found not to be involved would be cleared. It also stated that the findings and recommendations of the panel would be made public upon conclusion of the investigation.
The police further appealed to members of the public with credible information related to the case to come forward, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul and strength for her loved ones during the difficult period.