Police arrest herbalist who severed baby’s head during delivery in Katsina

The Katsina state command of the Nigerian Police force has arrested one Ahmadu Usman, 55, of Farfari village, Batagarawa LGA, Katsina, in connection with a suspected case of culpable homicide.

While parading the suspect, the command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said on April 1, 2024, at about 8 am, one Rahinatu Hassan, 32, from Gyanke village via Batagarawa LGA, who was heavily pregnant was in labour and having difficulties delivering the baby.

“Hence, the services of the suspect were employed to assist the woman in safe delivery, unfortunately, the suspect, knowing fully well that he is not a trained midwife, forcefully dragged the baby out of the womb with the head severed from the body (in the process)”.

Aliyu added that upon receipt of the report, detectives were promptly dispatched to the scene and the woman was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the suspect was subsequently arrested.

He said during investigation, the suspect confessed to committing the offence while investigation was still ongoing.