The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman for allegedly setting fire to her co-wife’s room in Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri, Kano State, leaving the co-wife, her children, and her husband with serious burns.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the spokesperson of the command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Wednesday.
Kiyawa said the command received a distress report at about 12:40am on May 12, 2026, stating that Maryam Usman allegedly set fire to the room occupied by her co-wife, Firdausi Saminu, aged 40.
As a result of the fire, Firdausi Saminu; her children. Isma’il Saminu, aged 3, and Khadija Saminu, aged 5; and their father Saminu Miko, sustained varying degrees of burns.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, all the victims have been taken to Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they are receiving medical attention.
He said: “Patrol teams responded swiftly to the scene, arrested the suspect and recovered exhibits.
“She is currently in custody at Mariri Division.
“The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bompai, for discreet and thorough investigation with a view to charging the suspect with mischief by fire and attempted culpable homicide.”
Kiyawa said the command’s Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Bakori, condemned the act, describing it as criminal, inhuman, and unacceptable.
According to the PPRP, the CP had directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and expeditiously to ensure justice for the victims.
He said: “CP Bakori also wished the victims a speedy recovery and assured them of the Command’s protection and support throughout the legal process.
“The command advises members of the public, particularly families, to resolve domestic disputes peacefully through dialogue, family elders, religious leaders or recognised dispute resolution mechanisms.”
Bakori urged residents to report early signs of domestic conflict to the police, community leaders, or relevant agencies before they escalate, warning against people taking the law into their own hands.
