KADUNA, Nigeria — Police in Kaduna State have arrested a woman in Malari Village, Soba Local Government Area, for the alleged killing of her co-wife’s three-month-old baby boy, in a case officials have described as “heinous.”
The state police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, May 23, 2025.
According to the police account, the tragic incident occurred on May 13 at the family’s residence in Malari Village.
The baby’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim, had briefly stepped out of her room, leaving her infant son behind.
Upon her return, she found her co-wife, whose name has been withheld by authorities, holding the child.
“The co-wife handed the child back to Maryam, who immediately noticed foam coming out of the baby’s mouth and an injury on his neck,” said Hassan.
“The child, who was crying, was immediately rushed to the village hospital, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead.”
Detectives from Soba Police Station were dispatched to investigate the matter and promptly arrested the co-wife.
During interrogation, police say the suspect confessed to the crime and alleged that she acted in collaboration with her husband’s younger brother, who is currently on the run.
The unnamed brother-in-law allegedly supplied the co-wife with acid, which she reportedly used to harm the child.
Hassan noted that the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, has vowed that all individuals involved in the crime will be brought to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police assures members of the public that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served in this case,” Hassan said.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have launched a manhunt for the absconding suspect. The authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the attack.
