Kano Police Launch Probe into Death of 13-Year-Old Student Amid Allegations of Harsh School Punishment

The Kano State Police Command has set up a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of a 13-year-old student of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, Maimuna Sani Salisu.

The late Maimuna reportedly died following an alleged disciplinary punishment imposed by a teacher.

According to reports, she was asked to kneel under the scorching sun and was allegedly forgotten for an extended period before she collapsed and died.

Confirming the development in a statement issued in Kano, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the investigation was initiated following a petition submitted by Nakudu Law Partners on behalf of the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff.

Kiyawa explained that the petition called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, citing conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the student’s death.

According to the petition, school authorities informed the family that Maimuna suffered an asthma attack after arriving late at the mosque.

However, testimonies obtained by the family alleged that she had been subjected to severe punishment by senior students, including flogging and prolonged kneeling, which may have aggravated her condition.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that the case be investigated thoroughly, transparently and in line with the rule of law.

To ensure a credible investigation, a Special Investigation Panel headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCP Shehu Idris, has been inaugurated. Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice have also been included in the panel to provide legal guidance and oversight.

Kiyawa said the panel has commenced work and has already invited three teachers, three senior students and two witnesses for questioning.

Statements have been taken from those involved, while medical, forensic and other evidentiary procedures are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Kano State Police Command assured the bereaved family and the public that the investigation would be impartial, thorough and evidence-based. It pledged that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while those found innocent would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

The command also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to come forward, assuring that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.