The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Precious Yohanna, over the alleged killing of her newborn baby in the Jabi area of Abuja. According to the police, the arrest followed the discovery of the lifeless body of a male infant in a bush near Jabi. The police received a distress call at about 10:30pm on October 4 concerning an abandoned baby in the area and immediately mobilised to the scene.
The infant was found with deep wounds on the throat and abdomen and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel confirmed him dead. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, subsequently ordered a manhunt for the person responsible for the death. With the assistance of members of the community, Ms Precious Yohanna, a native of Riyam in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and resident of the Daki-Biu/Jabi area, was traced and arrested.
Investigation revealed that the suspect gave birth to the baby inside her room on October 3, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. and allegedly used a razor blade to inflict fatal injuries on him. The police said the suspect admitted that she carried out the act out of hatred for the baby's father. The command condemned the incident, describing it as a "grave and unacceptable violation of the sanctity of human life."
The police command commended residents who assisted in identifying and arresting the suspect, while assuring the public that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated. The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, activities or incidents to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines.
This incident is not an isolated case of violence against children. In May, the Enugu State Government arrested one Ogechi John for the alleged killing of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John. The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force following the death of the child, who was reportedly beaten to death at their residence in Nchatancha, Emene, Enugu East Local Government Area.
The FCT Police Command has assured the public that it will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that the suspect is brought to justice. The command also urged residents to cooperate with the police and provide information that could help prevent such incidents in the future.
The arrest of Precious Yohanna has brought attention to the issue of violence against children and the need for communities to be vigilant and report suspicious cases to the authorities. The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting human life and preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.
Key points
- A 27-year-old woman, Precious Yohanna, has been arrested for allegedly killing her newborn baby in the Jabi area of Abuja.
- The police received a distress call concerning an abandoned baby in the area and immediately mobilised to the scene, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
- The incident has been condemned by the police command, and the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
