The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a housewife, Rabi Nuhu, from Magama Gumau in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, for allegedly brutalising her five-year-old stepdaughter because of repeated bedwetting.
This shocking incident has once again brought attention to the rising cases of child abuse and domestic violence in Nigeria, especially against vulnerable children living with step-parents.
The victim, whose name is withheld for her safety, tragically lost her biological mother about a year ago. Since then, she has been living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his new wife. Unfortunately, the young girl allegedly endured several days of abuse in silence before the matter was exposed.
Details of the Child Abuse Case in Bauchi
According to human rights activist Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, the five-year-old girl suffered repeated acts of violence at the hands of her stepmother. Abdulkadir explained that the abuse continued for about five days before the child finally confided in her uncle.
“To avoid issues with the stepmother, the father bought a separate mattress for the girl, but that did not stop the violence. The girl later revealed to her uncle that her stepmother burnt her private part as punishment for bedwetting. It was the uncle who escalated the matter to the police,” Abdulkadir stated.
He further alleged that the suspect often transferred frustrations from her marriage onto the child, subjecting her to cruelty.
Father’s Reaction and Police Investigation
The victim’s father, Mohammed Umar, who works with an online television station, admitted that his wife frequently complained about the child’s bedwetting habit. He said that when he first noticed burns on the girl’s body, his wife claimed that hot tea had accidentally spilled on her, a story he initially believed.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said the case was reported on September 13, 2025, at around 3 p.m.
“The victim sustained severe burns on her lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks,” Wakil said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu, immediately ordered the arrest of the suspect. The case has since been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigation.
Child Abuse Cases on the Rise in Bauchi
This incident comes just days after another disturbing case in the state, where a seven-year-old girl was allegedly tortured by her brother’s wife, Suwaira Ibrahim, who reportedly burnt the child’s private part with a hot knife after accusing her of witchcraft.
Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger laws, faster investigations, and tougher penalties against perpetrators of child abuse in Nigeria. Many believe that only decisive legal action will curb the rising trend of domestic violence and cruelty against children.
Calls for Justice and Protection of Vulnerable Children
Human rights activists and community leaders in Bauchi are urging the authorities to ensure justice for the five-year-old victim. They stressed that children who lose their mothers are especially vulnerable and require protection, not cruelty, from step-parents or guardians.
This tragic case highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns, parental education, and stricter enforcement of child protection laws in Nigeria.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and justice will be served.
