Katsina man allegedly kills nursing mother, infant over paternity dispute

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 12 December 2025 5:52pm WAT

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Nigeria Police Force

Nigeria Police Force

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended a 35-year-old man, Sahabi Rabi’u, in connection with the killing of a nursing mother and her 10-month-old child in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Abubakar Aliyu stated on Thursday that Rabi’u confessed to murdering the 30-year-old woman and her infant after allegedly conspiring with another man, who remains at large. “The bodies of the victims have been recovered, and the suspect is currently in custody,” Aliyu said. “Efforts are ongoing to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspect.” According to the police, the victims were lured to the outskirts of Sheme village, where they were killed, burnt, and dumped into a nearby well. Preliminary investigations indicate that the motive was a paternity dispute involving the suspect and the victim.

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina, Bello Shehu, condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric and inhumane.” He assured the public that the command would “leave no stone unturned” to ensure justice is served. Authorities have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the second suspect, promising that tips would be treated confidentially. The investigation remains ongoing.

Recall that in November, the police in Katsina were forced to refute reports circulating on social media that Nana Abraham, a professional footballer with Barau FC, was killed by fans of Katsina United FC during their recent NPFL Week 12 away match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. In a statement, the police described the reports as “entirely false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.” The command confirmed that Nana Abraham is safe and accounted for, along with all players, staff, and officials involved in the match.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that there was no physical contact between fans and any players, staff, or officials before, during, or after the game, attributing this to adequate security arrangements. “Preliminary investigations reveal that all players, staff, and officials involved in the match are safe as there was no report of physical contact,” the statement read.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has also investigated the match, listing offences committed by the home team, Katsina United FC, and issuing sanctions where appropriate. The league confirmed that there was no incident involving the death of any football player.

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