Kano woman arrested for setting co-wife, husband, 2 children ablaze

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Police in Kano have arrested Maryam Usman (32), who poured petrol on her co-wife, 40-year old Firdausi Saminu and two children, setting them ablaze, including the husband Saminu Miko.

The victims, identified as Khadija Saminu ( 5), Ismail Saminu (3), Saminu Miko, husband, and Firdausi (40) were all evacuated to Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they are currently receiving medical attention

The tragic incident occurred at Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri, within Kano metropolis.

Security sources told our Correspondent that the woman has been apprehended by police operatives attached to the Mariri Police Division.

The incident, which took place late Monday night at Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri Kano, is said to have thrown residents into shock, with the suspect currently in police custody at the Mariri Police Division at the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

Their father, Malam Saminu Miko, who sustained burns while trying to rescue them from the fire, is also undergoing treatment.

A younger brother to Firdausi, Buhari Musa Sa’ad, said the family received a distress call around 3 a.m, Tuesday, informing them that his sister, her husband and the two children had been set on fire by her co-wife.

Buhari said Firdausi had not spent up to two weeks in the matrimonial home before the incident occurred..

“She is around 40 years old. The children who got burned are the ones she brought with her from her previous marriage. They are stepchildren to the husband, who works as a tricycle rider,” Buhari added.

The Kano state Police Command confirmed the incident through a Statement by its Spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Wednesday evening.

Kiyawa, in the Statement, said, “Kano Police arrest woman for alleged arson and attempted culpable homicide in Mariri, four hospitalized.”

The Statement reads: “The Kano State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly setting her co-wife’s room ablaze in an incident that resulted in serious injuries to four persons in Mangwarori Quarters, Mariri Kano.

“On 12th May, 2026, at about 0040hrs, the Command received a distress report indicating that one Maryam Usman, 32 years old, allegedly set fire to the room occupied by her co-wife, Firdausi Saminu aged 40 years.

“As a result of the fire, the following persons sustained varying degrees of burns: Firdausi Saminu ‘f’, 40 years – co-wife; Isma’il Saminu, three years – child; Khadija Saminu five years – child; Saminu Miko, husband

“All victims were immediately evacuated to Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“Patrol teams responded swiftly to the scene. The suspect, Maryam Usman ‘f’, was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody at Mariri Division. Exhibits have been recovered and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.

“The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bompai, for discreet and thorough investigation with a view to charging the suspect to court for *Mischief by Fire and Attempted Culpable Homicide*.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, *CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis*, condemned the act in strong terms and described it as criminal, inhuman, and unacceptable under any circumstance. He directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and expeditiously to ensure justice for the victims.

“CP Bakori also wished the victims a speedy recovery and assured that the Command would ensure they receive necessary protection and support throughout the legal process.

“PUBLIC ADVISORY
The Command uses this opportunity to advise members of the public, particularly families, to:
i. *Resolve domestic disputes peacefully* through dialogue, family elders, religious leaders, or recognized dispute resolution mechanisms. Resorting to violence and arson is a criminal offence punishable under the law.

“Report early signs of domestic conflict* to the Police, community leaders, or relevant agencies before they escalate into violence.

“Avoid taking the law into their own hands*. Revenge and retaliatory actions only worsen situations and attract severe legal consequences.
iv. *Ensure proper supervision of children* and secure homes against fire hazards, especially at night.

“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate any act of violence, domestic or otherwise. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or domestic threats to the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines: *08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”