Police arrest Bauchi woman over alleged fatal attack on co-wife

Police in Bauchi State have arrested a 33-year-old housewife, Hauwa’u Haruna, over the alleged killing of her co-wife, Jamila Adamu, during a domestic incident. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said in a statement on Monday that the incident occurred at about 4.05pm on September 27 at Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate in Bauchi. According to Habib, preliminary investigations indicated that Haruna, described as the second wife, allegedly picked up a pestle and struck Adamu, the first wife, on the forehead.

The 43-year-old victim reportedly lost consciousness after the blow. Detectives attached to the C-Division, Bauchi, were mobilised after the command received a report of the incident, the police spokesman said. Officers documented the scene and took the injured woman to Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.

Habib said a medical doctor certified Adamu dead at the hospital. Her body was deposited at the hospital mortuary for an autopsy, while the pestle allegedly used in the attack was recovered as an exhibit. The police said Haruna was arrested and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.

The command did not disclose whether charges had been filed. Habib said Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu condoled with the bereaved family and cautioned the public against domestic violence. The commissioner also advised families to seek timely medical and psychosocial support for members experiencing mental-health challenges.

The reference to possible hallucinations was attributed by police to their preliminary account and does not establish a medical diagnosis.