Bauchi Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Boiling Water Attack on Pregnant Co-Wife, Newborn Dies

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Rabi Abubakar, for allegedly pouring boiling water on her pregnant co-wife during a domestic dispute in Daba Village, Bauchi Local Government Area, an incident that later claimed the life of the victim's newborn baby.

The Command disclosed that the incident occurred on July 17, 2026, following an altercation between the two women. During the dispute, the suspect allegedly poured boiling water on her 30-year-old co-wife, inflicting severe burn injuries.

The injured woman was immediately taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where she was admitted for emergency treatment.

According to the Police Command, the victim, despite her injuries, gave birth to a baby boy on July 19 while receiving medical care. The newborn, who reportedly sustained severe burn injuries, died the same day.

Police said the mother remains hospitalised but is in stable condition and responding to treatment.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the Command said the case was reported to the Dabe Police Outpost under the Soro Division on July 22, prompting an investigation that led to the suspect's arrest.

The statement added that the suspect was traced and taken into custody, where she allegedly confessed to the offence during preliminary interrogation.

Police said the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged attack and assured residents that the Command would ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution in accordance with the law.

He also urged members of the public to embrace peaceful means of resolving domestic disputes and encouraged victims or witnesses of domestic violence to promptly report such incidents to the police or other relevant authorities for timely intervention.

The police said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.