A Shari'a Court in Kano State has ordered the remand of a housewife, Fatima Ishaq, in a correctional facility following serious allegations that she poisoned and killed her one-and-a-half-year-old stepson.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The prosecution, led by Barrister Mutawakil, presented the charge of culpable homicide to the court. The incident is said to have taken place on August 27, 2024. According to the account given in court, the toddler entered the defendant's room and came out shortly afterwards with a poisonous substance in his mouth, which tragically led to his death.
When the charge was read to her, Fatima Ishaq pleaded not guilty, denying any involvement in the child's death. The absence of prosecution witnesses at the session created a significant procedural hurdle for the case.
Invocation of Islamic Qasama Procedure
Presiding Judge Abdu Abdullahi Wayya addressed the lack of witnesses by invoking a specific Islamic legal procedure known as Qasama. This procedure involves the administration of oaths to help reach a verdict in certain homicide cases where direct evidence is lacking.
The judge directed the complainant, who brought the accusation forward, to swear 50 times on the Holy Qur'an to affirm the allegation against Fatima Ishaq. However, in a notable turn of events, the complainant declined to take this oath.
In contrast, the defendant, Fatima Ishaq, agreed to take the oath to swear to her innocence regarding the charge of culpable homicide.
Adjournment and Custody Order
Given the circumstances, the court decided to formally administer the oath at a later date. The case has been adjourned until January 22, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings and the completion of this sworn testimony.
Judge Wayya ordered that Fatima Ishaq remain in custody pending the adjourned date. She will be held at a correctional facility until the court reconvenes to hear the oath and proceed with the matter.
