Kaduna State Police Arrest Woman Over Death of Co-Wife’s Infant in Soba LGA
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a woman identified as Zaliha Shuaibu from Malari Village in Soba Local Government Area, following the tragic death of her co-wife’s three-month-old baby boy. The distressing incident reportedly took place on May 13, 2025, at the shared residence of the women.
According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mansir Hassan, initial investigations revealed that the infant’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim — who is the second wife in the household — had briefly left her room to use the restroom, leaving her baby boy unattended in the room. Upon returning, Maryam found Zaliha, her co-wife, holding the infant.
DSP Hassan explained, “When Maryam took her baby back, she immediately noticed alarming signs — foam was coming out of the child’s mouth, and there was a visible injury on the baby’s neck. Despite the child crying, the situation was grave.” The infant was rushed to the nearby village hospital in an urgent attempt to save his life, but medical personnel confirmed his death shortly thereafter.
Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Soba acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of Zaliha Shuaibu as the prime suspect in the case. During police interrogation, Zaliha reportedly confessed to her involvement in the child’s death. She further implicated one Lawal Muhammad, the younger brother of her husband, who allegedly supplied her with acid used in the attack. Lawal Muhammad remains at large, and police have intensified efforts to apprehend him.
DSP Hassan added that the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has condemned the heinous crime and assured the public that the police will pursue justice diligently. “All suspects found to be complicit in this tragic incident will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.
The case has sparked outrage and concern within the community, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance and protection for vulnerable family members. Authorities have called on anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Lawal Muhammad to come forward to assist the investigation.