Court Orders Psychiatric Check on Murder Suspect for Keeping Mute to Charges

A High Court in Kano has ordered a psychiatric examination on one Hafsat Suraj, a suspect in a culpable homicide case, after her deafening silence to charge put before her.

Suraj, age 24, is a principal suspect in the killing of her supposed house help Nafiu Hafiz, age 38. She’s standing trial of culpable homicide along two other accomplices accused of murder.

Appearing before Justice Zuwaira Yusuf on Thursday for hearing, Suraj remain silence and ignored response to questions including the charge being read to her.

In what appear as mild drama, the court registrar, read the charges brought against the defendant about times and asked her six times if she understood the murder charge against her. Suraj however ever remained speechless with her face down under vien.

Addressing the Court after the episode, the prosecution counsel, Aisha Mahmoud, requested the court to refer the defendant to a public psychiatric doctor put proper assess of her mental health.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant’s silence in response to the charge can be attributed to malice or a suspected unsound mind that needed to be certified before the matter continues.

Besides, the prosecutor who reminded the court about the gravity of the charge against the defendant argued that even if the suspect pleaded guilty, should record would not be entered.

After listening to the request of the prosecutor, who doubles director of Kano State Public Prosecution, Justice Zuwaira granted the prayer.

However, the prosecuting counsel, raised objection on the bail application moved by defense counsel to three other defendants facing similar charges on alleged concealment of material facts to protect the principal offender.

The defense counsel, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu, had requested for the bail of the suspects after pledged non guilty to the charges. The lawyers cited provisions of the constitution and the Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law to back their request.

Justice Zuwaira has adjourned ruling for the bail application and further hearing indefinately. The court said the parties would be communicated on the date of next hearing.