By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The police command in Jigawa State has arrested a newlywed woman over the alleged poisoning of her husband with rat poison, an act that reportedly led to his death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Friday, 23 January, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., when the deceased reportedly ate a meal prepared by his wife before suddenly falling critically ill at their residence.
Confirming the development in a statement issued to journalists in Dutse on Saturday, 24 January, 2026
the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the man was rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
Following the incident, detectives from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters swung into action and arrested the wife of the deceased as the principal suspect in the case.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to poisoning her husband’s food with rat poison.
“She admitted that she poisoned the food consumed by her husband using rat poison,” SP Adam said, adding that the suspect claimed she sent her cousin to purchase the poison used to commit the act.
He further disclosed that the suspect reportedly told investigators she was forced into the marriage by her parents, a situation she claimed influenced her actions.
Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for a thorough investigation.
SP Adam said the directive was aimed at ensuring a comprehensive probe, noting that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution.
In the meantime, the police command urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while advising against taking the law into one’s hands, especially in resolving family and marital disputes.
The statement warned that such actions often result in irreversible consequences, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to justice and the protection of lives and property across the state.
“The suspect is currently in police custody awaiting trial, and the police will ensure that justice is served,” the spokesperson added.
