A woman in Kaduna State, identified as Zaliha Shuaibu of Malari Village in Soba Local Government Area, has been taken into custody by the state police command in connection with the death of her co-wife’s three-month-old son.

According to the Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the incident occurred on May 13, 2025, at the family residence shared by the two women.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Maryam Ibrahim, the second wife, had briefly stepped out to use the restroom, leaving her infant son in her room. On returning, she found her co-wife, Zaliha, holding the child,” Hassan stated.

He continued, “Zaliha handed the baby back to Maryam, who immediately noticed foam coming out of the child’s mouth and an injury on his neck. Though the child was still crying, he was rushed to the village hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.”

Following a report to local authorities, the Divisional Police Officer of Soba Division initiated an investigation and apprehended the suspect. “During interrogation, Zaliha confessed to the crime,” Hassan said. “She also disclosed that she conspired with Lawal Muhammad, her husband’s younger brother, who remains at large. According to her statement, it was Lawal who provided the acid used in the act.”

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has condemned the incident and assured the public that those involved will face legal consequences.

“All suspects found complicit in this heinous crime will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” CP Muhammad said.