Kano Child Abuse Case: Update on Ms J A’s Fight for Justice

A fight for justice is rarely easy.  However, it is a journey no family should have to walk alone.

Introduction

In November 2024, a five year old girl, Miss A, suffered severe abuse at the hands of her father and stepmother in Kano State.  Her mother was devastated.  Yet she remained determined to seek justice.  As a result, she reached out to AWJAI in January 2025.

Update on Court Proceedings In the Fight for Justice

The legal process has presented challenges.  The Defence Counsel has on multiple occasions failed to appear in Court.  However, the case continues to move forward.  In March 2025, the Prosecution called its first witness (PW1), and the matter was adjourned for cross-examination. On 3rd July 2025, the Court foreclosed the right of the Defence to cross-examine PW1.  This marked an important step forward in the fight for justice.

Although the journey seems far, the fight for justice continues to progress. The Prosecution presented two additional witnesses before the court, PW2 and PW3. They gave eye witness testimony against the 2nd Defendant (the victim’s stepmother). They testified to have physically seen the abuse meted against the victim (Miss A). The Defence Counsel continued to persist in their absence in Court. On 4th August 2025, the Prosecution informed the Court that the Defendants have dismissed their Counsel. The Defendants informed that Court they would be conducting the cross examination of the witness themselves. The Court recorded this development as it is a constitutional right of the Defendants to either defend themselves in person or by legal practitioners of their own choice [Section 36(6)(c)].

Subsequently, the Court embarked on the annual vacation of courts, and the proceeding was put on hold. In February 2026, the matter came up for continuation of hearing but the Defendants were once again absent. In March 2026, the Prosecution presented before the Court their fourth witness (PW4), the Investigating Police Officer (IPO). The IPO tendered before the Court important evidence such as the Medical report from when the victim was rushed to the emergency ward at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Picture of the victim’s head injury and the Statement of the 2nd Defendant. The Court admitted the evidence as tendered. The 2nd Defendant was to cross-examine the IPO, but due to her not being coordinated the matter was adjourned in the interest of justice.

A photo of Miss A’s head injury showing progress after treatment began.

At the next adjourned date, the Defendants were absent in Court. PW4 was also absent in Court as he was on official assignment outside the jurisdiction of the Court. The matter was further adjourned for continuation of hearing and cross-examination. In May 2026, the Defendants finally cross-examined PW4. This brought the case of the Prosecution to a close. The matter was adjourned for the ruling of the court on the prima facie case which is the determination of whether the Defendants have a case to answer.

Ruling on Prima Facie Case

On the 4th of June 2026, Ms. J A recorded another success in her fight for justice as the Court gave a favorable ruling. The Court found that the Prosecution has established that the Defendants indeed have a case to answer before the Court and the charge was preferred by the Magistrate. The Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge against them. The Prosecution did not intend to call any further witness and closed their case. It is now for the Defence to open their case. The 1st Defendant (the victim’s father) applied to recall witnesses earlier called by the Prosecution. The matter was subsequently adjourned for recall of the witnesses.

The Case for the Defence

The Defendants opened their defence with the 1st Defendant giving his testimony, and cross examination was adjourned to a further date. The 2nd Defendant waived the right to recall earlier witnesses and entered her defence. She notified the Court of the intention to call two additional witnesses. The matter was adjourned for cross examination of the Defendants. The 2nd Defendant was cross examined, alongside the Defence witness that was present in Court on that date. Proceedings are set to continue in September 2026.

Update on the Family as the Fight for Justice Progresses

As the matter progresses in Court, new challenges emerge.  When Miss A’s medical treatment was at risk after a sponsor withdrew support, AWJAI intervened immediately.  We ensured her treatment continued without interruption.  In addition, we supported her mother to start a small business, helping her begin to rebuild stability and regain independence.

We commend the Kano State Police for their swift investigation, which helped bring this case before the court.  Their response played an important role in ensuring accountability, and significant progress in the fight for justice.

At AWJAI, a fight for justice means more than legal action.  It means standing with survivors, supporting families and helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.

Survivors do not have to fight for justice on their own. We remain committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, protected and supported long after the headlines fade.

Watch Miss JA’s appreciation video to AWJAI below:

At AWJAI, we are able to support persons like Ms. J A because of your support. Kindly donate to directly impact our organisation and further our mission.