MINNA, Nigeria — A 31-year-old man, Mohammed Sani, has been arrested in Minna, Niger State, for allegedly beating his pregnant wife, Hauwa Isah, to death in what authorities describe as a fatal case of domestic violence.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Bani Hashimu Estate in the Limawa ‘A’ area of Minna, where the couple resided.
Hauwa, 24, was said to be nine months pregnant at the time of her death.
The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating that a distress call was received around 10:30 p.m. on the night of the incident.
“Police operatives of A Division Minna rushed to the scene and the suspected lifeless body of the lady was found on the floor,” Abiodun said.
“She was rushed to General Hospital Minna where she was confirmed dead, and it was also confirmed that she was about nine months pregnant.”
According to neighbours, the couple had a documented history of domestic violence, with repeated reports of battery and physical abuse over time.
This history, police say, has heightened suspicions that the fatal attack was not an isolated event.
“However, the husband, one Mohammed Sani, 31, of the same address, is suspected to have committed the act due to the allegation of wife battery as alleged by neighbours. He was arrested and the case has been transferred to SCID Minna,” the police spokesperson said.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is now handling the investigation, and authorities say legal proceedings will follow upon conclusion of the probe.
The case has sparked fresh outrage over rising incidents of domestic abuse across Nigeria, particularly those involving fatal outcomes.
Women’s rights groups have called for stronger protection laws and enforcement mechanisms to address gender-based violence in homes.
