Justice for Nihal: Parents, Alumni demand probe into Kano schoolgirl’s death after alleged punishment

The Abuja Chapter of the St. Louis Old Girls Association, SLOGA, alongside alumni, parents, and stakeholders of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, has called for an independent investigation into the death of 14-year-old student, Maimuna Salisu Yaro, popularly known as Nihal, whose death has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about disciplinary practices in schools.

In a statement issued on Friday, the association expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, describing Maimuna as “a child, a daughter, a classmate, a friend, and a young life entrusted to a school environment where safety, dignity, care, and protection should be sacred and non-negotiable.”

The group said reports surrounding the incident indicated that the student allegedly collapsed and died after being subjected to severe corporal punishment for arriving late to a prayer session on June 13, 2026.

According to the statement, Maimuna was reportedly forced to kneel under the scorching sun for several hours without water before she collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The development has generated widespread concern among former students and parents of the school, with the association insisting that the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death must be thoroughly investigated.

“As old girls of St. Louis, this matter touches us deeply. We passed through the same institution, and because of that bond, we believe the school must be supported to do what is right by cooperating fully, clarifying facts, supporting the family, and helping restore public confidence through transparency, responsibility, and moral courage,” the statement read.

The alumni association stressed that no act of discipline or school regulation should ever endanger the life of a child.

“Every child deserves safety. No school rule, act of discipline, or lateness is ever worth a child’s life. Maimuna was a young life entrusted to a school environment where safety and protection must remain paramount,” the group stated.

The association further warned against any attempt to shield individuals or institutions from accountability, emphasizing that truth must take precedence over institutional reputation.

“We call for absolute transparency. Institutions are only as honorable as their willingness to tell the truth. If there was negligence, excessive punishment, or institutional failure, those responsible must face the law,” it said.

Among its key demands, the group called on the Kano State Government, the Kano State Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant child-protection agencies to immediately launch an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to Maimuna’s death.

The association also demanded regular public updates on the investigation for the family and the wider St. Louis community.

In addition, it urged authorities to temporarily suspend any staff members or students whose actions may be relevant to the investigation, pending its conclusion.

According to the group, such measures are necessary to preserve evidence, prevent intimidation of witnesses, and ensure the integrity of the investigative process.

The stakeholders also called for unrestricted access to the school by government officials, parents, and independent observers, arguing that the institution should not remain isolated from scrutiny while investigations are ongoing.

They further demanded the public release of key information related to the incident, including a timeline of events, the identities of staff involved, and official medical reports concerning Maimuna’s collapse and death.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the association urged authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of disciplinary practices in schools across Kano State, including a strict prohibition of dangerous corporal punishment.

The group said the tragedy should serve as a catalyst for broader reforms aimed at strengthening child protection measures, emergency response systems, parental notification procedures, and accountability mechanisms within educational institutions.

The statement also called for immediate psychological counselling and trauma support for students who witnessed the incident, Maimuna’s classmates, her grieving family, and other affected members of the school community.

Addressing the bereaved family directly, the association assured them of its solidarity and support in their quest for answers.

“To Maimuna’s parents and family: You do not grieve alone. Hundreds of voices stand firmly with you. Maimuna’s memory must not disappear into unanswered questions. Her death must lead to truth for her parents, justice for her life, and stronger protection for every child still walking those corridors,” the statement added.

The statement was endorsed by dozens of members of the St. Louis Old Girls Association, Abuja Chapter, representing graduating classes from 1985 to 2014.

The death of the teenager has continued to attract public attention, with growing calls for accountability and reforms aimed at safeguarding students within educational institutions across the country.