Kano court begins trial of TikToker accused of boyfriend’s murder
Kano Magistrate Court Begins Hearings in Murder Case Against TikTok Star
KANO, Nigeria — Magistrate Court No. 2 in Kano has initiated hearings in the case brought by the Kano State Government against Fatima Abdullahi, widely known as Fati Cele, concerning the alleged murder of her boyfriend, Isma’il Sidi, also recognized as Isma’il Buzu.
During a session on Thursday presided over by Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf Sulaiman, the charges were presented to the defendant, who entered a plea of not guilty.
Barrister Muhammad Aliyu Umar, representing the prosecution, requested an adjournment for further proceedings. In response, the defense counsel sought bail for Abdullahi, citing her need for medical treatment due to injuries from burns on her hands, legs, and face.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, contending that the magistrate court does not have jurisdiction to grant bail in this particular case. “The court does not have the jurisdiction to grant bail in this matter, and there are medical personnel available to attend to her at the correctional facility,” the prosecution’s representative stated.
The court postponed the case until July 20, 2026, for further consideration, ordering that Abdullahi remain in custody while receiving necessary medical care.
According to police investigations, Fatima and Sidi reportedly engaged in a violent altercation on the day of the incident, during which she is accused of striking him with an object, resulting in severe bleeding. Authorities further allege that she attempted to destroy evidence by setting the house on fire.
