Hyacinth Chinweuba
A 40-year-old man has been reportedly arrested in Jigawa State for allegedly taking his 17-months-old stepson into a farm and strangled him to death.
Usman Samaila was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in Miga, Naija News learnt.
The incident was confirmed in a statement made available to newsmen by the spokesperson of the Jigawa command of NSCDC, SC Adamu Shehu, noting that Samaila took the toddler, Adamu Gambo, to a nearby farm where he strangled him until he eventually died.
According to the NSCDC mouthpiece, the suspect attempted to cover up his evil act but it was discovered and reported to the command by his second wife, Bahayura.
Oriental News Nigeria learnt that Bahayura had married Gambo, the father of deceased before their separation and later married the suspect.
Speaking on the Samaila’s heinous act and arrest, Shehu said, “The incident occurred on 14th August 2020, when the suspect was alleged to have taken his Seventeen (17) month old stepson, Adamu Gambo, to a farm and strangled him which eventually led to his death.
The suspect tried to cover his heinous act by relating the child’s death to cold-related infections, but his wife suspected foul play. According to her, her husband (Sama’ila) attempted to strangle the poor child about two times, of which the second attempt was in her presence, due to the intense dislike of the child, but was not successful.”
The NSCDC spokesperson said after thorough interrogation by the Intelligence and Investigation team of the Command, Sama’ila confessed to having committed the crime, saying that the Baby was a distraction and interference to his love life. The suspect said he wants his wife to give him all her love and attention.
According to Shehu, the culprit showed no trace of mental health but he will be taken to a psychiatric hospital for proper mental evaluation before further steps would be taken by the command.
He said, “Preliminary medical examination on the suspect’s mental condition reveals no trace of mental disorder, however, he will be taken to a Psychiatric Hospital in Kazaure, Jigawa State to properly ascertain his mental status before being charged to a court of competent jurisdiction.”