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Sanaya Sahib’s mum appears in court charged with 14-month-old’s murder

THE mum of tragic toddler Sanaya Sahib has appeared in court for the first time charged with murdering her little girl.

Sofina Nikat has been charged with murdering her daughter, 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib.
Sofina Nikat has been charged with murdering her daughter, 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib.

THE mum of tragic toddler Sanaya Sahib has appeared in court for the first time charged with murdering her little girl.

Little Sanaya’s body was found in a Heidelberg West creek in April, with mum Sofina Nikat claiming the 14-month-old girl was abducted during a trip to the park.

Ms Nikat refused to appear in court after being charged by police in April, and medical experts had advised against it because of concerns about her mental health.

Today Ms Nikat appeared in court for a brief hearing via video link from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

Prosecutors, who were expected to have a brief of evidence ready in June, asked to adjourn the hearing for two weeks while they waited for the analysis of pathology tests to be completed.

Memorial for 15 month old baby Sanaya Sahib, murdered at Darebin Creek. Look for mourners laying flowers/ toys at scene.
Memorial for 15 month old baby Sanaya Sahib, murdered at Darebin Creek. Look for mourners laying flowers/ toys at scene.

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge approved the adjournment request, demanding Ms Nikat in custody until August 31.

After Sanaya went missing Ms Nikat told police that she had been walking in Olympic Park, when an African man snatched her baby and ran off.

Shannon.deery@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/sanaya-sahibs-mum-appears-in-court-charged-with-14montholds-murder/news-story/8fe509781a93d6642ff300da13504e8a