Police nab two suspects in Yobe over baby girl's murder

The Yobe State Police have arrested two people over the suspected killing of a newborn girl. Her remains were found hidden in a box behind a mosque in Damaturu, the state capital.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the police spokesperson, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday. He said the suspects were arrested after a quick police investigation into the case.

Abdulkarim explained that the Violent Crime Response Unit acted on a distress call received on June 23 about the suspected murder of the infant. He said, "On June 23, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit responded to a distress call concerning the alleged killing of a newborn baby and the concealment of her remains in Anguwar Boka area of Damaturu."

Preliminary investigations showed that a woman who recently gave birth to the baby was likely involved in the events that led to the baby's death. "Initial findings indicate that the newborn baby girl was allegedly strangled, after which her remains were hidden inside a box and dumped behind a mosque in the area," Abdulkarim noted.

The police spokesman added that quick action by detectives led to the arrest of two suspects. They are now helping with ongoing investigations. "Swift police intervention resulted in the arrest of two suspects. They are presently in custody and assisting investigators as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident," he said.

He assured residents that the investigation is still ongoing. The police are committed to gathering all important facts to make sure justice is served. "The investigation is ongoing, and the command is committed to gathering all relevant facts to ensure that justice is done," Abdulkarim said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reacted to the incident. He condemned the alleged killing and called it a "heinous and inhuman act." Jibrin said, "Every human life is precious and must be protected. The command will not tolerate violence against children or any vulnerable member of society."

He warned that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted according to the law. "Whoever is found responsible for this crime will be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the law," the commissioner stated.

Jibrin also emphasized the rights of every child to protection and care. He stressed that those who violate these rights will face serious consequences. "Every child has inherent rights guaranteed by law and deserves protection, care and dignity. Those who violate these rights will be held accountable," Jibrin added.