Police in Niger State arrested Mariya Abdullahi for allegedly poisoning her co-wife children in Lapai.
A tragic incident shook the Takuti community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State after a woman allegedly poisoned her co-wife children. The suspect, identified as Mariya Abdullahi, took the drastic action following her inability to have children of her own.
According to information published by punchng, the young victims aged four and nine drank a suspected poisonous substance given to them from a cup by Abdullahi on Friday. One of the siblings died shortly after consuming the toxic drink, while the second child was rushed for emergency medical care.
Law enforcement authorities in Niger State swiftly intervened following the report, arresting the suspect for interrogation. Police confirmed that Abdullahi claimed a friend influenced her to commit the crime due to her struggles with childlessness.
Suspect Confesses to Crime in Police Custody
During preliminary interrogations at the Lapai Division, Mariya Abdullahi confessed to the crime. She admitted that the frustration of not bearing a child for her husband drove her to act, compounded by bad advice from a friend who encouraged her to administer the deadly substance.
Details of the Poisoning Incident in Lapai
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, detailed that police operatives moved to the scene upon receiving a report on November 6, 2026. The two children became unconscious after drinking the substance provided by the suspect in the Takuti community.
Victims Hospitalized and One Fatality Recorded
The victims were immediately rushed to a nearby clinic for urgent medical attention. Tragically, one victim passed away upon arrival at the medical facility, while the surviving child was referred to a general hospital where she is currently responding to treatment.
Next Steps for Suspect Prosecution in Minna
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna. There, she will face diligent prosecution as the investigation into the tragic poisoning case continues to unfold under the command.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mariya Abdullahi?
Mariya Abdullahi is a woman from the Takuti community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State who was arrested for allegedly poisoning her co-wife children.
What happened to the children in Niger State?
The four-year-old and nine-year-old children were given a suspected poisonous substance to drink, resulting in the death of one child while the other survived and received treatment at a general hospital.
Why did the suspect poison the children?
The suspect confessed to police that her inability to bear children for her husband, combined with the negative influence of a friend, motivated her to commit the crime.


