Police Arrest Woman Over Infanticide, Assault On Pregnant Co-Wife

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 20-year-old woman, Rabi Abubakar, of Daba Village in Bauchi local government area over the alleged killing of a newborn and causing grievous injuries to her pregnant co-wife.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, saying the suspect was arrested by operatives attached to the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, following an incident reported by the Officer-in-Charge of the Dabe Police Outstation under the Soro Division.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on July 17, 2026, when the suspect allegedly poured boiling water on her 30-year-old co-wife during a domestic altercation.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, for treatment. While receiving medical care, she gave birth to a baby boy on July 19, despite being heavily pregnant at the time of the attack.

Police said the newborn sustained severe burn injuries and died on the same day, while the mother is currently in stable condition and responding to treatment.

The statement added that following the report, police operatives visited the scene, traced and arrested the suspect.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly made a voluntary confessional statement admitting to the offence.

The police said the suspect remains in custody, while the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged act, assuring residents that the Command would ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the case.

He also urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and promptly report cases of domestic violence to the police for timely intervention.