A housewife in Kaduna State, Zaliha Shuaibu, has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command for allegedly murdering her co-wife’s three-month-old baby by feeding the infant with acid. The horrifying crime occurred on May 13, 2025, in Malari village, within the Soba Local Government Area, and has since stirred deep outrage and grief within the local community.
According to police reports, the baby’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim, had briefly left the child alone in her room to use the bathroom. Upon her return, she found her co-wife Zaliha holding the infant. She immediately noticed the child showing signs of severe distress, with foam spilling from his mouth and a fresh injury on his neck.
Infant Dies Despite Emergency Response
Maryam Ibrahim, in a desperate attempt to save her child, rushed the baby to a nearby hospital in the village. Tragically, doctors at the facility pronounced the baby dead on arrival. Preliminary examinations suggested that the infant had been poisoned, with clear symptoms indicating the ingestion of a corrosive substance.
The Kaduna State Police Command swiftly initiated an investigation into the incident. Officers from the Soba Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, quickly identified and arrested Zaliha Shuaibu. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the heinous act and further implicated another family member—her husband’s younger brother, Lawal Muhammad—as her accomplice.
Police: Suspect Confessed to Feeding Baby Acid Supplied by Brother-in-Law
In a statement released to the press, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kaduna State Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed Zaliha’s confession. He revealed that Zaliha admitted to using acid to kill the infant, an act facilitated by Lawal Muhammad, who allegedly supplied the deadly substance used in the crime. However, Lawal fled shortly after the incident and remains at large.
“Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer of Soba Division mobilised his men and swiftly arrested the suspect, Zaliha Shuaibu,” said ASP Hassan. “During interrogation, she confessed to committing the crime with the assistance of her husband’s younger brother, Lawal Muhammad, who provided the acid and is currently on the run.”
Commissioner of Police Vows Justice
Reacting to the incident, Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, assured the public that the command will carry out a thorough investigation and pursue all leads until every individual involved is apprehended and prosecuted.
“The gruesome murder of this innocent baby is deeply shocking and completely unacceptable. The Kaduna State Police Command is determined to bring all culprits to justice. The fleeing suspect, Lawal Muhammad, will be tracked down no matter how far he runs,” CP Muhammad vowed.
He further reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but also seen to be served, to deter future crimes of such brutal nature.
Family Feud Turns Fatal in Shared Household
The case has spotlighted the tragic consequences of domestic rivalry, particularly in polygamous households where co-wives often share living quarters under tense conditions. In this particular situation, Zaliha and Maryam, along with their husband, lived together in the same family compound in Malari village. While the motive behind the act has yet to be officially confirmed by police, investigators suspect deep-seated jealousy and animosity may have driven the suspect to commit the unthinkable crime.
Local sources familiar with the family reported that there had been longstanding tension between the co-wives, though none anticipated it would escalate into murder. Some villagers have described the atmosphere in the household as “highly volatile,” with frequent arguments between the women.
Public Outcry and Call for Swift Prosecution
News of the infant’s murder has triggered widespread anger across Kaduna State and beyond, especially on social media, where users expressed horror at the barbarity of the act and demanded swift prosecution. Human rights advocates and child protection groups have also called on the authorities to ensure maximum punishment for those responsible.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking stories we have come across in recent months,” said a representative of a Kaduna-based women’s advocacy group. “It underscores the need for greater awareness and conflict resolution support in polygamous homes, where rivalries can turn deadly.”
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that Zaliha remains in custody and will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend Lawal Muhammad, whose involvement is considered crucial to uncovering the full scope of the crime.
Legal experts suggest that the suspects, if convicted, could face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and endangering public safety through the use of hazardous substances. The case is likely to draw significant public attention as it proceeds through the judicial system.
A Broader Wake-Up Call
This heartbreaking incident is not just an isolated domestic tragedy—it is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can arise from unresolved domestic conflicts and strained household dynamics. Experts are calling on traditional and religious leaders in rural communities to intensify efforts to mediate disputes within polygamous homes, and for the government to increase investment in social counseling and mental health awareness campaigns, particularly in rural regions.
The police have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lawal Muhammad to come forward or contact the nearest police station. As investigations continue, Kaduna State watches closely, united in grief and demanding justice for a baby whose life was stolen far too soon.
