One Dies As Woman Allegedly Poisons Co-wife’s Children In Niger

A woman, Mariya Abdullahi, from Takuti, near Lapai local government area of Niger State, has allegedly poisoned two children of her co-wife, leading to the death of one.

The suspect reportedly confessed that she was influenced by a friend to carry out the act.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Abdullahi allegedly administered a substance suspected to be poison to the children while their mother was away.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, said a report was received at the Lapai Divisional Police Headquarters at about 6 am on 6th November, 2026, concerning the incident.

He said, “On 6th November, 2026, at about 6 am, a report was received at Lapai Division that one Mariya Abdullahi of Takuti, near Lapai, had administered a substance suspected to be poison to the children of her co-wife.”

Abiodun said police operatives rushed to the scene and found the two children, aged nine and four, unconscious after allegedly ingesting the substance.

“They were immediately rushed to a nearby clinic, but on arrival, one of the victims gave up the ghost, while the other was referred to the general hospital and is responding to treatment,” he added.

The police spokesman said the suspect had been arrested and confessed to administering the substance to the children.

According to him, she claimed that a friend influenced her to commit the act because she could not bear a child for her husband.

“The suspect was arrested and is undergoing further interrogation. She claimed that she was influenced by a friend to commit the act because she couldn’t bear a child for her husband,” Abiodun confirmed.

He added that the suspect would soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation and diligent prosecution.