Police Detain Couple in Connection with Teenage Son's Death in Kaduna

Kaduna State Police Command has detained a couple over the death of their teenage son in the Kurmin‑Mashi area of Kaduna State.
The deceased, named Sadiq and estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old, is said to have died on Tuesday after an alleged beating by his mother, Hauwa’u Adamu—known locally as Maman Sadiq—and his husband, Sharhabil.

The incident, which took place on Dahiru Road in Kurmin‑Mashi, was reported by the online platform K‑Mashi Voice.

Neighbors cited in the report said the dispute began on Monday when Sadiq was sent by his mother to withdraw N5,000 from a point‑of‑sale (PoS) operator. The dispute escalated when it was alleged that two withdrawals had been made, yet the boy returned home with only N5,000.

It was reported that his stepfather, Sharhabil, accompanied him back to the PoS outlet, where the operator confirmed that two withdrawals had taken place.

After the discovery, the couple allegedly accused the teenager of dishonesty and subjected him to severe corporal punishment.

A female neighbor reportedly heard the boy crying at about 10 p.m. on Monday and intervened, pleading with the couple to stop the punishment. The appeals were allegedly ignored.

Sources further said the neighbor later contacted a local Islamic cleric, who visited the family and advised the couple against the severity of their actions. The warning was reportedly not heeded.

Residents said the boy was left in that condition overnight, and his death was confirmed the following morning.

Police from the Kurmin‑Mashi Division responded to the incident and transported the body to Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital—also known as Dutse General Hospital—for an autopsy and other examinations to determine the cause of death.

The deceased’s mother and her husband have since been taken into custody as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

At the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement on the matter.