A 26-year-old man, Nura Mas’ud, has been arrested for allegedly setting his grandmother, Zuwaira Muhammad, on fire in Mu’azu village, Dan Gwanki ward, Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Mas’ud reportedly confessed to the crime, explaining that he was upset by his grandmother’s constant remarks about his physical appearance and health. He said he had warned her several times to stop, but she continued, which led him to pour petrol on her and set her ablaze.
Jigawa Police Command spokesperson, DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident to reporters. He said, “On October 8, 2024, around 4:00 pm, the Command was informed of a sad and regrettable incident in Mu’azu village. Nura Mas’ud, 26, poured petrol on his grandmother, Zuwaira Muhammad, 60, and set her on fire.”
The elderly woman was rushed to the hospital but later passed away due to the severe burns. A doctor confirmed her death, and her body was released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
The police quickly arrested Mas’ud, and he is now in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. During interrogation, Mas’ud admitted to the crime, stating that his grandmother’s concerns about his health had upset him.
DSP Shiisu also revealed that a preliminary investigation showed Mas’ud had a history of mental illness and had been receiving treatment at Kazaure Psychiatric Hospital.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case and directed that the suspect be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
