Malam Muhammadu Baburam, a 65-year-old allegedly chained and starved his wife for one year in Poteskum, Yobe State.
A video clip of a 40-year-old woman who is a mother of four, went viral, prompting residents and civil society groups to demand the immediate arrest of Baburam, the husband.
In an interview with WikkiTimes, Aliyu Bakama, Executive Director A5 Sickle Cell Support Initiative, Potiskum, Yobe State said the inhumane treatment mated on the woman by her husband was reported by some good Samaritans, which drew the attention of the NGO to intervene.
Aliyu explained that Baburam claimed that he chains her in the morning times to prevent her from roaming about due to her mental problems, but his daughter said otherwise, “that her mother is sane”. The case was reported to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Confirming the arrest, the PRO Yobe State Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Command, Bala Garba said the case has been referred to the state headquarters and investigation are on to examine her mental status.
“Yes, the case has been transferred to state headquarters and as I speak to you Forensic experts are carrying out an examination on the victim and from then we will know her mental health status. The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and other Human Rights Organizations are into the matter and the suspect will be prosecuted if found guilty”, he said.
Garba said Baburam was arrested on Wednesday following a tip-off from Dabo-Aliyu Stadium area, where the suspect and his victim reside.
“ Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect only feeds his wife once every day. The suspect also said that he chained his wife because she has some mental health issues,” he said.
The spokesman said the command had drafted forensic experts and a doctor to ascertain the health status of the victim, stressing that the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.
