There was mild drama in a Kano State High Court on Thursday during the arraignment of Hafsat Suraj, 24, who is charged with the alleged stabbing to death of her domestic staff. She remained silent when asked if she understood the charge against her.
Suraj, was alleged to have stabbed her househelp, Nafiu Hafizu, 38, on his chest and other parts of his body, which led to his death on Dec.21, 2023 at Unguwa Uku Quarters Kano.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 221 of Penal Code.
The presiding judge, Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, repeated the question three times but Suraj remained mute.
Following her refusal to answer, Justice Yusuf ordered that she should be mentally evaluated by a Medical Doctor at Kurmawa Correctional Centre.
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”. The Prosecution opposed the bail application made in respect of the three other defendants.
Meanwhile, Suraj’s husband, Dayyabu Abdullahi, Adamu Muhammad and Nasidi Muhammad were arraigned before the High Court for giving false information with intention to screen her from legal punishment on the alleged murder of Nafiu.Mahmoud alleged that the three defendants committed the offence on Dec.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 section 35 and 36(5) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended and section 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.
NAN reports that Suraj and the three other defendants were on Dec.27, 2023 arraigned before a Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder and concealment of fact.
The court said date for ruling on bail application will be communicated to both parties.
