Wife arrested for fatal knife attack on co-wife after dispute

DDM News

A 25-year-old housewife has been arrested in Katsina State for allegedly stabbing her co-wife to death during a domestic disagreement.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the tragic incident occurred in Daura town, behind Dadi Primary School in the Sabon Gari area of the Daura Local Government Area.

According to the Katsina State Police Command, the fatal confrontation happened on Friday night, May 24, 2025, around 11:00 p.m.

The police stated that the husband, Nasir Yusuf, reported the case after returning from the market to find his first wife, 30-year-old Zainab Lawal, in a pool of blood.

Lawal had sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Daura.

She was later pronounced dead by the attending medical personnel.

Police operatives from the Sabon Gari Division responded swiftly to the emergency report and visited the crime scene.

During the investigation, the deceased’s co-wife, identified as 23-year-old Rabi’a Labaran, was arrested in connection with the attack.

She allegedly confessed to the crime and admitted that a misunderstanding with the deceased led to a physical altercation.

During the scuffle, she reportedly used a knife to stab her co-wife multiple times, resulting in her death.

The State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the development in a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

Sadiq disclosed that the suspect and the deceased lived in the same house and had been embroiled in a long-standing domestic rivalry.

According to the police, the investigation into the circumstances leading to the deadly confrontation is still ongoing.

The police have not yet disclosed whether the murder weapon has been recovered or if the suspect acted in the heat of the moment or with premeditation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, expressed shock over the tragic event and condemned the act of domestic violence.

He advised members of the public to seek lawful avenues to settle disputes rather than resorting to violence.

CP Shehu emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and warned against taking justice into one’s own hands.

He also stressed that acts of vigilantism and revenge undermine peace and social order in the community.

The case highlights growing concerns over domestic violence and marital conflicts within polygamous households in northern Nigeria.

This incident adds to the series of domestic crimes that have raised public concern over the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals in such marital arrangements.

Local residents of Sabon Gari have been left in shock, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and a tragic loss of life over a matter that could have been resolved amicably.

The late Zainab Lawal is survived by her husband and children, and her burial has been conducted according to Islamic rites.

Legal analysts believe the suspect may face charges of culpable homicide under Nigerian law, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

The police command has promised to ensure that justice is served and has reassured the public of its commitment to safety and law enforcement.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to follow developments in this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.

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