Lafiyagi Dzwafu village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State has been thrown into shock following the gruesome murder of Baba Aliyu, allegedly at the hands of his wife, Fatima Dzuma. The 27-year-old suspect reportedly killed her husband, citing that she “no longer liked him.”
The Incident
Baba Aliyu, 25, married Dzuma three years ago after her divorce from her first husband. The couple had no children together, though Dzuma had a child from her previous marriage. Meanwhile, Baba’s first wife recently gave birth, with the family preparing for the naming ceremony at the time of his death.
According to local residents, Dzuma strangled her husband with a scarf while he was asleep, striking him twice on the head and once on the hand with a pestle, breaking his hand. She then wrapped his body in a mat and dragged it to the backyard, cleaning the scene to conceal the crime.
For three days, Dzuma denied knowledge of Baba’s whereabouts as his family searched frantically. Eventually, she confessed, admitting, “I acted alone,” and claiming, “The devil made me do it.”
Police Investigation
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement by Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun. On December 31, 2024, Baba’s lifeless body was discovered in a bush near Katcha.
Police operatives from the Katcha Division responded promptly, recovering the body and launching an investigation. Dzuma, who initially denied any involvement, later admitted to killing Baba following a violent altercation during which she claimed he had beaten her.
According to the police, Dzuma struck her husband on the head with a pestle while he slept, leading to his death. She then wrapped the body in clothes, tied it with ropes, and discarded it in the bush in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Ongoing Investigation
The body of Baba Aliyu has been sent to Bida General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Dzuma has been arrested and is currently in custody, awaiting transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation and prosecution.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage and grief in the community, with many calling for justice to be served.