The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a woman, Fatima Ibrahim, for allegedly poisoning her six-year-old stepson, Mubarak Ibrahim, in Kwaimawa community, Alkaleri Local Government Area, and another suspect, Sadiku Musa, in connection with the death of a five-year-old girl, Jabiba Abubakar, in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafi’u Habib, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Bauchi, saying both suspects were in custody as investigations continued.
Habib said Mubarak allegedly became critically ill after drinking a beverage given to him by his stepmother.
“Moments later the cheerful boy started vomiting uncontrollably,” the police spokesperson said.
He said the family rushed the child to the Primary Health Centre in Kwaimawa before transferring him to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, where medical personnel battled to save his life for eight days.
Mubarak was confirmed dead on October 24, 2026.
According to Habib, detectives began investigations after receiving a report from the Village Head of Kwaimawa, leading to the arrest of Fatima.
In a separate incident, the Command arrested Sadiku Musa in connection with the death of five-year-old Jabiba Abubakar in Zaila community, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
The girl, who stayed with her aunt in Zaila and her grandfather in Badaromo Village, was reported missing before her body was discovered in a small pit behind the village on the morning of October 24.
The police said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for discreet and thorough investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents as heartbreaking and inhuman, assuring that the command would pursue justice for the deceased children.
“These are innocent souls. Children who looked up to adults for protection. We will ensure that justice speaks for Habiba and Mubarak,” the commissioner said.