Police in Jigawa State have arrested a 15-year-old bride, Zahra’u Dauda, and her ex-lover, 22-year-old Lawan Musa, over an alleged food poisoning incident at a wedding in Jahun Local Government Area.
The tragedy left one guest dead and the groom critically ill.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday, saying the suspects conspired to poison the groom’s food.
“The bride, Zahra’u Dauda, of Bagata Gabas village, conspired with her ex-lover, Lawan Musa, of Bagata Gabas Yamma village, to poison her husband’s food. The groom, Kamisu Haruna, 29, and two of his friends ate the food and developed stomachaches. One of the friends was confirmed dead at the hospital,” Adam said.
The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, has sparked widespread concern. Eyewitnesses suggested the bride’s actions might have been driven by personal vendetta, though the exact motive remains unclear.
Police investigations revealed that Zahra’u and Lawan allegedly laced the groom’s meal with poison during the wedding festivities.
Adam added, “We are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover all the facts. The bride and her ex-lover are in police custody and are being interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department.”
He urged the public to remain calm and assured that justice would be served. “We are working tirelessly to ensure justice is done. Anyone with information about the incident should come forward to assist the investigation,” he said.
All other wedding guests who consumed the poisoned food have been discharged from the hospital, according to police. However, the identity of the deceased guest has not been disclosed.
The Jigawa Police Command promised to provide updates as more details emerge.
