Alleged killing of stepson: Housewife referred to psychiatric hospital

A 21-year-old housewife, Shamsiya Hayatu, arraigned over the death of her two-year-old stepson has been referred to a psychiatric hospital to enable doctors ascertain her mental status. Hayatu, of Yandaki village of Kaita LGA in Katsina, was arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on her stepson, Ahmed which led to his death. Confirming the incident, […]

A 21-year-old housewife, Shamsiya Hayatu, arraigned over the death of her two-year-old stepson has been referred to a psychiatric hospital to enable doctors ascertain her mental status.

Hayatu, of Yandaki village of Kaita LGA in Katsina, was arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on her stepson, Ahmed which led to his death.

Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Command spokesman, DSP Gambo Isah, said the woman is already facing a culpable homicide charge before a magistrate’s court.

He said the accused has of recent been pretending to be mentally deranged as such the onus is left to her to prove her mental status before the court.

Isah, however said, “how can a mentally ill woman be able to bath, cook, do all normal house chores,” noting that it will be foolhardy for one to believe that.

Enquiries from the court showed that Magistrate Fadila Dikko, whom the accused was arraigned before, had already referred her to a psychiatric hospital for a month to enable doctors ascertain her mental status.