The groom and his friends have been apprehended by the Jigawa State Police Command on charges of forcing the bride into an unwanted sexual encounter that ultimately resulted in her death.
The incident took place on April 26, 2025, around 10pm, according to SP Shi’isu Adam, the command’s public relations officer.
A statement was issued to newsmen in Dutse, the capital of the state, on Sunday evening by the police spokesperson, noting that, “The groom, identified as Auwal Abdulwahab, 20, and his friends, Nura Basiru, 20, Muttaka Lawan, 20, and Hamisu Musa, 20, all from Tungo village, were arrested and taken into custody for discreet investigation.”
Adam disclosed that the incident was reported to the authorities, who promptly dispatched a team headed by the Divisional Police Officer to the location. According to the SP, the bride’s death is thought to have been caused by the alleged coercion of her into non-consensual sexual activity by her husband and his friends.
The police have verified that the bride and her groom have been at odds regarding marital relations since their wedding.
According to Adam, CP Ahmed Abdullahi, the commissioner of police, has ordered the case to be handed over to Dutse, the state’s criminal investigation department, for a comprehensive inquiry.
Following an evacuation to Gumel General Hospital for medical inspection, the on-call physician at the hospital verified the deceased’s death; the body was subsequently returned to her parents for burial, according to the Jigawa police.
“The suspects could face two charges under the relevant laws of the jurisdiction, including criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The police are determined to ensure justice is served in this case.
“The groom and his friends are currently in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing,” the police added.
