The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Rabi Abubakar, for allegedly pouring hot water on her pregnant co-wife during a domestic dispute, an incident that reportedly resulted in the death of the victim’s newborn baby.
The suspect, who lives in Daba Village in Bauchi Local Government Area, was apprehended by officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, following an investigation into the incident.
According to the police, the alleged attack occurred on July 17, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., when Rabi Abubakar reportedly poured boiling water on her 30-year-old co-wife during an argument at their home.
The victim suffered severe burns and was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, for treatment. While receiving medical care, she delivered a baby boy on July 19. However, the infant, who had also sustained severe burn injuries, died later that day.
Police said the mother remains hospitalised but is in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the case was officially reported on July 22 by the Officer-in-Charge of the Dabe Police Outstation under the Soro Division.
According to Habib, police officers immediately visited the scene after receiving the report, launched an investigation and later tracked down the suspect.
He added that during preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to committing the offence.
The police spokesperson disclosed that Rabi Abubakar remains in custody, while the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a disturbing act of violence.
He assured the public that the command would carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also urged residents to resolve family disputes peacefully and encouraged victims or witnesses of domestic violence to report such incidents promptly to the police for timely intervention.
BACKSTORY:
Cases of domestic violence arising from family and marital disputes continue to be a major concern in Nigeria, with incidents involving spouses and co-wives occasionally resulting in serious injuries or loss of life. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged families to resolve disagreements peacefully and seek mediation rather than resort to violence.
In this latest case, the Bauchi State Police Command alleges that a domestic altercation between two co-wives escalated into violence when one of them reportedly poured boiling water on the other, who was heavily pregnant. The victim sustained severe burns and was taken to hospital, where she later gave birth to a baby boy. According to the police, the newborn also suffered severe burn injuries and died shortly after birth.
The suspect has been arrested and is in police custody, while the case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution. Authorities have condemned the incident and renewed calls for residents to report cases of domestic violence promptly and resolve conflicts through lawful and peaceful means.
