The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a housewife, Zuwaira Hassan, of Magama-Gumau in Toro Local Government Area, for allegedly inflicting burn injuries on the private parts of her 10-year-old sister-in-law on suspicion of witchcraft.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, the case was reported on September 11, 2025, at about 12:30 a.m. by one Yahuza Usman, 37, of Magama Gumau.
“Usman reported that his 10-year-old sister (name withheld) was mercilessly punished by his brother’s wife, Zuwaira Hassan, who inserted a hot metal spoon into the girl’s private parts,” Wakil stated.
He explained that detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“The victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Toro, for urgent medical attention, while the suspect was arrested,” he said.
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During interrogation, Hassan confessed that on September 8, 2025, around 11 p.m., she was conversing with her two children and the victim when the girl allegedly said their living room would collapse and advised that they move to another room.
Hassan further claimed her children told her they had seen the victim in bad dreams, which made her believe the child was a witch.
The following morning, Hassan reportedly took the victim to a native doctor, Fatima Abdullahi, a traditional herbalist, who allegedly confirmed the suspicion and gave her concoctions for “witch protection.”
Subsequently, Hassan heated a metal spoon in fire, ordered her two sons, Umar Ibrahim and Abubakar Ibrahim, to tie the victim’s hands and legs, and forcefully inserted the hot spoon into her private parts, claiming she was instructed to do so by the herbalist.
Police later arrested Abdullahi, who admitted receiving Hassan and the child at her home. She disclosed that Hassan had requested witch-protection medicine, insisting the girl was a witch.
The herbalist reportedly demanded N150,000 for the concoction but settled for N40,000, providing medicine for bathing and body smoking rituals.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
He assured that justice would be served for the “innocent victim.”
He further urged parents and guardians to be cautious when seeking remedies for their children.
“It is essential to understand that not all options are genuine. Always consult trusted professionals to ensure the well-being of your children,” the Command advised.
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