The Kano State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 13-year-old Maimuna Sani Salisu, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) boarding student of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano.
The investigation followed a formal petition submitted by Nakudu Law Partners, solicitors to the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff, seeking a thorough probe into the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command said the petition was received on June 17, 2026, and raised concerns over conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the student’s death.
According to the petition, the school authorities informed the deceased’s parents on June 13, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m. that Maimuna was ill and had been taken to International Clinic, Kano, for treatment.
Her elder sister reportedly rushed to the hospital but was informed upon arrival that the student had already been confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
The deceased was buried on June 14 in accordance with Islamic rites.
The statement noted that while the school initially claimed that Maimuna died from an asthma attack after arriving late at the mosque, other testimonies received by the family suggested that she was allegedly punished by senior students through flogging and prolonged kneeling for refusing to sweep, which may have worsened her condition.
“The family expressed concern over the conflicting narratives and requested a thorough police investigation to establish the true cause of death and ensure accountability,” the statement said.
The Command disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had directed that the matter be investigated with diligence and transparency.
“Upon receipt of the petition concerning the death of the 13-year-old student, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed that the matter be treated with utmost diligence, transparency, and strict compliance with the rule of law,” Kiyawa stated.
He added that a Special Investigation Panel (SIP), headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Shehu Idris, had been constituted to handle the case.
According to the statement, officials of the Kano State Ministry of Justice have also been included in the panel to ensure transparency and provide legal guidance throughout the investigation.
“The SIP commenced investigations immediately. As part of preliminary inquiries, three teachers of St. Louis Secondary School, three female senior students, and two female witnesses with relevant information have been formally invited and are cooperating with the panel,” the statement added.
The police further revealed that statements had already been obtained, while medical, forensic, and other evidentiary procedures were ongoing to determine the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.
The Command assured the deceased’s family and the public that the investigation would be thorough and impartial.
“The Kano State Police Command, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, assures the family of the deceased, the school community, and the general public that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and transparent. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, while those exonerated will be cleared accordingly,” the statement said.
It added that the findings and recommendations of the panel would be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.
The police also appealed to members of the public, particularly those within the school community, to provide credible information that could assist the investigation, assuring them that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Command commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul.
