The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Sule Gurmu, the man accused of killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, in a domestic violence incident that has unsettled residents of Bayawa community in Augie Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on January 13, 2026, when Gurmu allegedly assaulted his 25-year-old wife with the wooden handle of a hoe during a domestic disagreement at their home in Bayawa.
Police sources confirmed that Umaima died shortly after the attack, prompting an immediate investigation by security agencies.
Following the incident, Gurmu reportedly fled Bayawa but was later tracked and arrested on Saturday in Katami town, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. His arrest followed a directive by the Chairman of Augie Local Government, Yahaya Augie, who ordered security agencies to ensure the suspect was apprehended without delay.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the arrest was carried out through a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, bringing to an end a manhunt that spanned Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Earlier, Augie had visited the scene of the incident in Bayawa and supervised the evacuation of the deceased’s body to Argungu General Hospital for an autopsy.
Describing the killing as “abhorrent and unacceptable,” the local government chairman pledged that his administration would not condone domestic violence or criminal acts within the council area.
Residents of Bayawa have continued to mourn the victim, expressing shock over the incident and calling for swift justice as well as increased community awareness against domestic abuse.
Civil society organisations in Kebbi State have also raised concerns over rising cases of household violence, urging authorities to intensify preventive education, especially in rural areas.
Domestic violence offences in Nigeria are addressed under state penal codes and national legislation such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), which criminalises abuse and provides protections for victims. Advocacy groups have stressed that wider adoption and enforcement of the Act across states would strengthen accountability and survivor support.
Commending the security agencies for their professionalism, Hon. Augie assured residents that the suspect would be made to face the full weight of the law. He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated his commitment to protecting lives and property in Augie Local Government.
Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
“Yes, we have arrested the husband, and he will be arraigned in court upon the completion of the investigatio n,” he said.
Advertisement
