Woman strangles own baby to death in Sokoto

A woman identified as Rabiat Mustapha, 30, has been remanded in prison over alleged murder of her baby born out of wedlock.

Mustapha is facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and preventing a child from being born or causing the child to die after birth.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Umar Rabiu, told Sokoto Magistrate Court that the accused committed the offences on March 3 at Asada area of the state.

Rabiu said that the woman conceived out of wedlock and gave birth to a baby boy which she strangled to death and threw the body into a pit latrine.

He said the offence contravened Section 235 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Abubakar Adamu, in his ruling said the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter but ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Adamu, then adjourned the case until April 9 for mention and possible transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction.

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