Domestic violence: Man beats pregnant wife to death in Niger

A 24-year-old pregnant woman, Hauwa Isah, has been brutally beaten to death by her husband, Mohammed Sani, in the Limawa area of Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday night of June 3, 2025, just days before her expected delivery date.

According to police, Hauwa was nine months pregnant when she died after enduring a fatal beating from her husband.

Mohammed Sani, 31, was immediately arrested and is now facing charges of culpable homicide.

Residents of the Bani Hashimu Estate in Limawa ‘A’, where the couple lived, described the scene as horrifying.

Witnesses reported hearing loud screams from the couple’s home around 10:30 pm.

Neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing violent noises and cries for help.

A resident, Halima Musa, said, “We heard her screaming and ran to the house. But by the time we got in, she was lying lifeless. Blood was everywhere.”

She continued, “She was already gone before help could arrive.”

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the details in a statement released Wednesday morning.

He said officers from A Division Minna responded to a distress call and found Hauwa unresponsive and covered in blood.

“She was rushed to General Hospital Minna, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival,” the police statement read. “Medical officers also confirmed she was about nine months pregnant.”

SP Abiodun said Mohammed Sani was immediately identified as the prime suspect based on prior domestic violence reports and statements from neighbours.

“Neighbours and family members confirmed he had a history of physically abusing her,” the police added.

The victim’s grief-stricken father, who asked not to be named, said he had warned Mohammed Sani several times.

“He has beaten my daughter before. We spoke to him. But he never stopped. Now, he has murdered her—and her unborn child.”

The suspect has been arrested and is being held by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna, pending a full investigation.

Activists and community leaders have condemned the killing, calling for immediate justice and stronger laws to protect women from domestic violence.

“This is not just a case of spousal abuse,” said Fatima Ibrahim, founder of Voice for Nigerian Women.

“It is the cold-blooded murder of a woman and her unborn baby.”

She added, “We are tired of burying women who are supposed to be safe in their homes. The government must act.”

Local and national women’s rights groups have vowed to follow the case closely.

A candlelight procession is being planned in Minna to honour Hauwa’s memory and demand justice.

Police authorities have promised a speedy and transparent investigation, assuring the public that no effort will be spared in prosecuting the suspect.

This incident adds to a growing list of deadly domestic violence cases in Nigeria, sparking calls for urgent intervention.

Hauwa Isah’s tragic death has now become a national symbol of the urgent need for stronger protections for Nigerian women, especially those in vulnerable situations.

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