The Kano State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of 13-year-old Maimuna Sani Salisu, a JSS2 boarding student of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, following a petition submitted by her family.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command said the petition was filed by Nakudu Law Partners on behalf of the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Nusaiba Rabiu Dan Sheriff.
According to the petition, school authorities informed the family on June 13, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m. that Maimuna had fallen ill and was being treated at the International Clinic in Kano. Her elder sister was immediately sent to the hospital, but upon arrival around 8:19 p.m., doctors confirmed that the student had died.
Maimuna was buried the following day, June 14, in accordance with Islamic rites.
However, the family raised concerns over conflicting accounts surrounding the cause of her death. While the school reportedly claimed that she died from an asthma attack after arriving late to the mosque, other accounts received by the family alleged that she had been punished by senior students through flogging and prolonged kneeling for refusing to sweep, which allegedly worsened her condition.
In response to the petition, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police command subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Shehu Idris. Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Justice have also been included in the panel to ensure transparency and provide legal oversight.
The command said the investigation began immediately, with three teachers, three senior female students, and two witnesses invited to provide statements.
Police said medical, forensic, and other evidentiary procedures are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command assured the family and the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially, and transparently, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law, while those cleared by the investigation would be exonerated.
The police also appealed to members of the public, particularly those connected to the school community, to provide any credible information that could assist investigators, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
The Kano State Police Command expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the repose of her soul.
