Police in Jigawa State have arrested a woman, Balaraba Shehu, and her boyfriend, Amadu Sale, for burying their newborn baby alive.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Lawan Shiisu, who confirmed the development, said Balaraba after delivering the baby out of wedlock conspired with Amadu to commit the crime.
Shiisu said the baby’s body was exhumed from a grave the mother dug near a toilet within their residence.
According to him, “On December 2, 2022, at about 2350hrs, report at command’s disposal revealed that one Balaraba Shehu, 30-year-old, of Tsurma village, Kiyawa LGA was suspected to have given birth and buried the newborn baby.
“On receipt of the report, a team of policemen mobilised and proceeded to the scene of the crime.
“On arrival, detectives swung into action and exhumed the newborn baby from a grave near a toilet in their residence and where the suspected mother buried it. The baby was rushed to General Hospital Dutse and certified dead by a medical doctor.
“The suspect was arrested and is now in Police custody. Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of one Amadu Sale, alias Dan Kwairo, 25-year-old, of Akar village in Kiyawa LGA.
“He (Amadu) was alleged to be responsible for the unwanted pregnancy and conspired to bury the baby after delivery.”
The police spokesperson, however, said the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Effiom, has directed that the case be transferred to the Investigative Department of the command, SCID Dutse, for discreet investigation.
“The suspects will be charged to court to face the full wrath of the law upon completion of the investigation,” Shiisu said.
