A Magistrate Court in Kano has begun hearing the case against TikToker Fatima Abdullahi, popularly known as Fati Cele, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Isma’il Sidi (also known as Isma’il Buzu).
The charge was read before Chief Magistrate Auwal Yusuf Sulaiman on Thursday, and the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting counsel, Muhammad Aliyu Umar, requested an adjournment to continue proceedings. Defence counsel, however, applied for bail, citing injuries the defendant allegedly sustained from burns to her hands, legs, and face, and the need for medical care.
The prosecution opposed the bail request, arguing that the magistrate court lacks jurisdiction to grant bail in such a case and that adequate medical care is available at the correctional facility.
The court adjourned the matter to July 20, 2026, and ordered that the defendant remain in custody while receiving medical attention.
According to police, the defendant and the deceased were involved in a violent altercation on the day of the incident. Investigators allege that she struck him with an object, causing severe bleeding, and later set the house on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
