Woman Arrested for Allegedly Burning 5-Year-Old Girl’s Genitals Over Bedwetting as Police Launch Investigation
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu — Democracy Newsline Newspaper
23 September 2025 —
Bauchi, Nigeria.—The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a married woman identified as Rabi Nuhu of Magama Gumau in Toro Local Government Area, following allegations that she burned the genitals of a five‑year‑old girl. Police say the attack — allegedly motivated by the child’s recurrent bedwetting — left the victim with burns to her lower abdomen, thighs and genital area.
According to police and community reports, the child is an orphan: her mother died about a year ago. She was living with her father, Mohammed Umar, and his wife, who is now accused of perpetrating the abuse.
Timeline and discovery
Human rights activist Kabiru Abdulkadir told reporters that the abuse came to light about five days after it allegedly occurred. Efforts by the father to prevent further harm — including buying a separate mattress for the child — did not stop the alleged assaults, Kabiru said. The matter was reported to police after the child told a relative that her stepmother had burned her because of her “fitsarin kwance” (bedwetting).
Mohammed Umar, who works with a television station, confirmed the sequence of events. He said his wife had repeatedly complained about the child’s bedwetting. When he first saw the burns, his wife told him the child had scalded herself with hot tea; at first he believed her, but the child’s pain and worsening injuries convinced him to seek help.
Police response and current status
The Command’s public relations officer, CSP Mohammed Wakil, said the report arrived at the Bauchi State Police headquarters at around 3:00 p.m. on 13 September 2025. Wakil confirmed that the child sustained burns to her lower abdomen, thighs and genital area. He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect and directed that she be transferred to the major crimes unit for a full investigation.
“Once investigations are concluded, the suspect will be brought before a court of competent jurisdiction,” CSP Wakil said. He did not disclose the suspect’s formal charges, noting that the criminal classification will follow the findings of the forensic and medical reports.
Medical care and child protection measures
The child was taken for medical attention soon after the allegation came to light. Sources say she received emergency treatment for her burns and is under medical supervision; authorities have also initiated steps to ensure her safety and welfare while investigations continue. Local child protection actors and community leaders have been notified, and the police said they would cooperate with social services to provide counselling and long‑term care options.
Community reaction and calls for accountability
The case has sparked outrage among community members and child‑rights advocates. Human rights defenders called for a thorough, transparent investigation and for vulnerable families to receive support to prevent similar tragedies. Activists have urged authorities to fast‑track the medical care and psychological support the child will need and to ensure that any prosecution is carried out promptly and fairly.
Legal follow‑up and next steps
Police confirmed evidence collection is ongoing, including medical reports and witness statements. Prosecutors will determine the appropriate criminal charges based on forensic findings and legal standards. If convicted, the accused could face prosecution under provisions of Nigerian law that address child abuse and grievous bodily harm; the exact charges will be specified in court documents.
A spokesperson for the police urged members of the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation and appealed to caregivers and community members to report suspected abuse immediately so victims can get timely help.
