On the early hours of Sunday, 25 October 2026, a 30‑year‑old man in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State survived an alleged attempt by his 18‑year‑old wife to cut his throat, only to be stabbed in the abdomen later that morning, according to his father’s account.
What are the key details?
- The incident occurred at roughly 5 am after the victim returned to fetch a kettle for dawn prayers.
- Police say the wife, identified as Fatima Dalha, was arrested following the assault.
- A knife used in the attack was recovered and the case has been handed to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
- The victim, Usama, was taken to hospital for treatment.
- A relative alleged the dispute stemmed from accusations of infidelity and a disagreement over money, wrappers and a phone.
Who is involved?
Malam Yunusa Yusuf, the father of the injured man, told Daily Trust that the episode began on Friday night after the couple returned to their separate homes following prayers. He said his son later confided that he felt a sharp object against his neck while lying in bed, describing how his wife allegedly slipped in and tried to slit his throat.
What did the father do?
Yusuf recounted that he intervened by urging the couple to cool down and advised his son not to sleep in the marital home that night. "I sat him down and told him that since the misunderstanding had reached the point where someone could take a knife to cut his throat, he should not sleep in the house," he said. The son heeded the advice and spent the night at his father's residence with his siblings.
How did the stabbing occur?
According to Yusuf, at about 5 am on Sunday the victim went back to his own house to fetch a kettle and water for ablution. He claimed his wife approached from behind and thrust a knife into his stomach. The victim screamed, prompting neighbours to intervene. "She held his clothes close to his neck until people rescued him," Yusuf added.
What does the police report say?
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that Fatima Dalha was detained and that the weapon was seized. The injured man is receiving medical care, and the investigation will continue under the State Criminal Investigation Department.
What are the alleged motives?
A female relative, who asked to remain unnamed, suggested the clash was linked to claims that the husband had been unfaithful. Another family member said the dispute intensified after Usama returned from Port Harcourt three days earlier, allegedly telling his wife he intended to visit a girlfriend, which led to demands for the return of money, wrappers and a phone.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in northern Nigeria and underscores the role of local law enforcement in responding to such emergencies.