The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended Sule Gurmu, accused of killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, in a domestic violence incident that has shocked the Bayawa community in Augie Local Government Area.
The attack occurred on January 13, 2026, when Gurmu allegedly struck his 25-year-old wife with the wooden handle of a hoe during a domestic dispute at their home. Umaima was pronounced dead shortly afterward, prompting an immediate investigation.
Following the incident, Gurmu reportedly fled Bayawa but was tracked down and arrested on Saturday in Katami town, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, after a directive from Augie Local Government Chairman, Yahaya Augie, calling for his swift apprehension.
The operation, conducted jointly by the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ended a manhunt spanning Kebbi and Sokoto states. Chairman Augie had earlier visited the crime scene and supervised the transfer of Umaima’s body to Argungu General Hospital for autopsy.
Condemning the killing as “abhorrent and unacceptable,” Augie pledged that his administration would not tolerate domestic violence or criminal acts in the local government area. Residents of Bayawa have expressed grief and called for prompt justice, while also urging greater awareness of domestic abuse in rural communities.
Civil society organizations in Kebbi have raised concerns about rising household-related assaults, advocating for stronger implementation of laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), which criminalizes abuse and emphasizes victim protection.
Spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that Gurmu will be arraigned in court once the investigation concludes. Hon. Augie commended security personnel for their professionalism and extended condolences to the family, reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives and property in Augie Local Government.
