A heart-wrenching case has emerged from Malari village in the Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where a housewife, Zaliha Shuaibu, has been taken into custody for allegedly killing her co-wife’s three-month-old baby by feeding the infant acid.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the tragic event occurred on May 13, 2025, within the family compound shared by Zaliha, her husband, and the baby’s mother, Maryam Ibrahim.
ASP Mansir Hassan, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement released to The PUNCH on Friday, disclosed that Zaliha was apprehended after an investigation was launched by the Divisional Police Officer of the Soba Division.
Trouble reportedly began when Maryam stepped out to use the bathroom, leaving her baby alone in the room. Upon returning, she was shocked to find the infant in Zaliha’s arms.
“Zaliha handed the child back to Maryam, who immediately noticed that the baby was in distress, with foam coming out of his mouth and a visible injury on his neck,” Hassan said.
The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival, deepening the community’s anguish.
“Following the incident, the DPO of Soba Division quickly mobilised his team and arrested the suspect, Zaliha Shuaibu. During interrogation, she confessed to feeding the baby acid with the help of her husband’s younger brother, Lawal Muhammad, who is currently on the run,” the police spokesperson added.
Hassan further revealed that Zaliha admitted it was Lawal who supplied the acid used in committing the chilling act.
Reacting to the incident, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, assured the public of a thorough investigation and unwavering pursuit of justice.
He said, “No stone will be left unturned in the investigation and that all individuals connected to the crime will be brought to book.”
He also affirmed that the police will intensify efforts to track down the fugitive suspect, ensuring that justice prevails.