The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a housewife, Rabi Nuhu, from Magama Gumau in Toro Local Government Area, for allegedly brutalizing her five-year-old stepdaughter. The victim suffered burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, reportedly inflicted by her stepmother as punishment for bedwetting.

The Incident

According to human rights activist Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, the abuse had been ongoing for about five days before it came to light. The child, who lost her mother a year ago, confided in her uncle about the torture, prompting him to report the matter to the police. The victim’s father, Mohammed Umar, claimed his wife frequently complained about the child’s bedwetting habit and initially told him that hot tea had spilled on the child, causing the burns.

Police Investigation

The case was reported to the police on September 13, 2025, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a discreet investigation. The suspect is currently in police custody, and the case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.¹

Similar Incident

This incident comes days after another disturbing case of child abuse in Bauchi, where a seven-year-old girl was allegedly tortured by her brother’s wife, Suwaira Ibrahim, who accused her of witchcraft and burned her private parts with a hot knife. These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and action to protect vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation.