Nurses Still in Police Custody: NANNM Assures Members of Ongoing Communication with Legal Counsel
Zuru, Kebbi State – The two nurses detained over the deaths of two young sisters at Zuru General Hospital remain in police custody, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Kebbi State Council has said in its latest official update.
In a statement released on 26 March 2026 and signed by Comrade Nurse Ismaila Ishaka, State Secretary, NANNM provided fresh details on the tragic incident first reported widely after the deaths on 18 March 2026. This follows earlier coverage by Fellow Nurses Africa, which highlighted that the prescribing doctor had been exonerated due to proper documentation while the two nurses stayed in custody.
Official Details from NANNM
According to the association, the two sisters (aged six and three) died after a newly qualified midwife serving her mandatory professional practice and yet to be fully registered administered quinine “directly intravenously (IV push) instead of through the prescribed intravenous infusion (drip)”.
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NANNM noted that the children’s parent had cautioned the midwife against the direct IV administration, but the warning “was not heeded”. The association described the action as “negligence and unprofessional conduct” that fell short of nursing and midwifery standards and patient safety protocols.
Ongoing Investigation and NANNM’s Role
The Kebbi State Government’s nine-member investigative committee includes representation from NANNM Kebbi State Council. The association confirmed it is “fully cooperating” with the panel to ensure a transparent and evidence-based process.
NANNM added that the State Nursing and Midwifery Committee will convene separately to consider regulatory and professional actions. The council is actively consulting with its national headquarters and legal counsel for guidance and support in managing the matter.
Government Response
Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) has provided the bereaved family with ₦10,000,000 in financial support.
NANNM’s Commitment
The association expressed deep regret over the loss for the family, the hospital, and the profession. It reaffirmed its dedication to patient safety, upholding professional standards, and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
NANNM thanked members nationwide for their concern and promised further updates once the investigation concludes.
Insights on Medication Safety
This case, as updated by NANNM, underscores the vital importance of proper supervision for newly qualified staff, strict adherence to medication protocols (especially high-risk drugs like quinine), and effective teamwork between prescribers, administrators, and patients’ relatives.
Nurses and midwives are frontline advocates for safety. They are not robots — they have both the right and professional duty to challenge any unclear, unsafe, or questionable medication order before administration. Listening to parental concerns and verifying routes of administration can be life-saving.
Stronger systems, including better staffing, standardised checklists, and a supportive culture that encourages speaking up, remain essential to protect vulnerable patients in public hospitals.
The investigation continues, with authorities assuring that justice will be served based on evidence.
How can the nursing profession and hospital management better support young professionals while strengthening medication safety protocols? Constructive ideas are welcome.
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Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
