Crime Watch

65-year-old man arrested for allegedly starving wife for one year

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yobe have arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly chaining and starving his wife for one year in Potiskum.

NSCDC Spokesman in the state, Bala Garba confirmed the arrest of Mohammed Baburam in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Friday.

Images of the 40-year-old woman locked in chains reportedly went viral in the state, prompting residents and civil society groups to demand the immediate arrest of Baburam.

Garba said Baburam was arrested on Wednesday following a tip-off from the Dabo-Aliyu Stadium area, where the suspect and his victim reside.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect only feeds his wife once every day. The suspect also said that he chained his wife because she has some mental health issues,” he said.

The spokesman said the command had drafted forensic experts and a doctor to ascertain the health status of the victim, who is a mother of four. He said that the suspect would be charged to court after the investigation.