The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a nine-year-old boy over an alleged fire incident that claimed the lives of four members of his family at Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic incident occurred on August 21, 2026, after a fire broke out at the residence of Abubakar Idi, according to the police.
The victims were reportedly trapped inside the house as the fire spread. They included two of Idi’s wives and two of his daughters, who sustained fatal burns in the incident.
The police said the case initially came to the attention of the Karasuwa Divisional Police Headquarters through a distress call reporting the fire.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the police investigation, suspicion later fell on the nine-year-old son of the house owner.
The command said the boy allegedly admitted to starting the fire after his father punished him over an allegation that he had taken one of the family's chickens.
The child reportedly told investigators that he bought matches the following day and set the house on fire while his two stepmothers and two younger brothers were asleep. He allegedly said his action was intended as retaliation for the punishment.
The boy also reportedly told authorities that he raised an alarm after the fire started and people arrived to assist. However, he allegedly did not disclose his involvement immediately, saying he confessed several days later.
The police subsequently arrested the child and brought him to Damaturu, where he was paraded alongside his father.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, said the suspect's age would be taken into consideration, but the case would still be handled according to applicable laws governing children in conflict with the law.
The command said the investigation was approaching its concluding stage and that the child would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further legal proceedings. It also directed that all necessary child-protection procedures be followed.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the need for parents and guardians to pay closer attention to children's emotional wellbeing and behaviour.
The police have urged members of the public to report situations that could threaten lives, property or the welfare of children.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fire and ensure that the case is handled in accordance with Nigeria's laws on children in conflict with the law.