Housewife accused of killing housekeeper fails to talk; court orders mental evaluation
There was a mild drama in a Kano High Court on Thursday during the arraignment of Hafsat Suraj, 24, charged with stabbing to death of her domestic staff.
Ms Surag remained silent when asked if she understood the charge against her.
Ms Suraj was alleged to have stabbed her home help, Nafiu Hafizu, 38, in the chest and other parts of his body, causing his death on December 21, 2023, at Unguwa Uku Quarters Kano.
The presiding judge, Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, repeated the question three times, but Ms Suraj remained mute.
Following her refusal to answer, Mr Yusuf ordered that a medical doctor should mentally evaluate her at Kurmawa Correctional Centre.
Mr Yusuf ordered the prosecution to furnish the defence counsel with all the facilities concerning the case.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Aisha Mahmoud, urged the court to refer Suraj to a government Psychiatric hospital for mental evaluation pursuant to section 286 of ACJL 2019.
“We want to know if the defendant is fit to stand trial. My lord, we intend to call seven witnesses and adopt some exhibits,” said Mr Mahmoud.
The prosecution opposed the bail application made concerning the three other defendants.
Meanwhile, Mr Suraj’s husband, Dayyabu Abdullahi, Adamu Muhammad and Nasidi Muhammad were arraigned before the court for giving false information to screen Ms Suraj from legal punishment for the alleged murder of Nafiu.
Mr Mahmoud alleged that the three defendants committed the offence on December 21, 2023, at Unguwa Uku Quarters Kano. The defendants denied committing the offence.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of section 167 of the Penal Code.
The defence counsel, Haruna Magashi and Rabiu Abdullahi, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, pursuant to sections 35 and 36(5) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended and sections 168 and 172 of ACJL 2019 Kano State.
They urged the court to order the prosecution counsel to furnish them with all the facilities concerning the case.
Ms Suraj and the three other defendants were, on December 27, 2023, arraigned before a Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder and concealment of fact.
The court said the date for ruling on bail application will be communicated to both parties.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Subsidy, Forex Crises: Tinubu adopted solutions promised by Obi, Atiku during campaigns, says Shettima
“Those who attempted to eat their words were instantly proven wrong by data, history, and their antecedents…,” Mr Shettima said.
States
Bill to formalise neighbourhood watch operations in Enugu scales second reading
In his remark, Speaker Uche Ugwu said the House would be meticulous in passing the bill to enhance the state’s security.
Abuja
FCTA disburses N6.32 billion to area councils, others
The breakdown indicated that N3.81 billion was shared among the six area councils, while N2.50 billion went to teachers and pension schemes.
Economy
Be patient; Nigeria’s economy to experience significant growth soon, Shettima tells citizens
Mr Shettima said Mr Tinubu chose to save the nation’s life instead of merely prolonging its imminent and predicted economic death.
Abuja
Wife divorces husband over lack of respect
The judge, Aliyu Alhassan, dissolved the marriage after the couple could not settle its differences.
States
Governor Eno donates 20 patrol vehicles to security agencies in Akwa Ibom
Mr Eno presented the Toyota Hilux Trucks fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets to the agencies on Thursday.
