Sadiat Yunusa allegedly strangled three-year-old Ummaiyat Y. in Kaiama after a domestic dispute, according to the police
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested Sadiat Yunusa over the alleged killing of three-year-old Ummaiyat Y. in Kaiama Local Government Area, with Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi saying the incident was linked to jealousy arising from a prolonged domestic dispute.
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Adekimi disclosed the arrest in Ilorin on Friday, July 31, 2026, while reviewing recent operational successes recorded by the command in its efforts to tackle violent crime across Kwara State.
According to the police commissioner, detectives began investigating the child’s death on July 25 after receiving a report at the Kaiama Divisional Police Headquarters that Ummaiyat had died in suspicious circumstances.
Adekimi said preliminary findings indicated that the child had been left in the care of a family member while her mother went to the Kaiama Central Market.
The commissioner alleged that Yunusa subsequently lured the child to a nearby farm settlement, where she allegedly strangled her.
“On July 25, 2026, detectives commenced investigation into the tragic killing of Ummaiyat Y, a three-year-old girl, following a report received at the Kaiama Divisional Police Headquarters,” Adekimi said.
He said prompt investigative efforts led to Yunusa’s arrest and alleged that she confessed to the offence during questioning.
The police commissioner further said the suspect attributed the alleged killing to resentment and jealousy arising from a prolonged domestic dispute involving her husband and his second wife.
“She disclosed that the act was motivated by resentment and jealousy arising from a prolonged domestic dispute, alleging that her husband had neglected her and her three children in favour of his second wife,” Adekimi said.
The case has since been charged to court, according to the police, although details of the specific charge and the court before which Yunusa was arraigned were not immediately provided.
The development adds to the Kwara Police Command’s recent focus on violent crime and criminal investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force has also continued to emphasise intelligence-led policing and thorough investigations as part of its broader strategy for tackling serious offences across the country. (Nigeria Police Force)
While the police have presented the allegations against Yunusa, the claims remain allegations until determined by a competent court.
The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with the law.
Adekimi assured residents that the command would continue to investigate serious criminal cases thoroughly and pursue prosecution where sufficient evidence is established.
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The tragic death of the young girl has meanwhile left questions around the circumstances that preceded the incident, while the court process is expected to provide further clarity as the case progresses.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
