Akilu Saidu (30), farmer, kills step-daughter (4), seeks forgiveness

A 30-year-old farmer and father of six, Akilu Saidu, said on Tuesday that he was under the influence of drugs when he attacked his four-year-old stepdaughter, Saratu Yahuza, who later died.
Saidu said this in a brief chat with our correspondent shortly before he was arraigned for culpable homicide before a Katsina State Senior Magistrates’ Court.
He added that he was confused and remorseful when he later learnt that the step daughter died at the hospital.
Saidu disclosed, “How could I have intentionally killed her? Saratu was like a daughter to me. I have six children from another wife while Saratu’s mother is even pregnant for me; I married her mother about six months ago.
“On the day of the incident, I recalled that I bought a drug from a chemist in our village and shortly thereafter the incident happened.
“It was my uncle who rushed Saratu to the hospital where she later died. I am indeed sorry for the incident.”
The presiding magistrate, Hajiya Falile Dikko, however, adjourned the case till October 31, 2017 for mention.
She directed that Saidu should be remanded in prison custody till then.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Sani Ado, had earlier told the court that investigation into the incident was ongoing.
The police picked up Saidu shortly after he had allegedly murdered his step-daughter.
The incident occurred on September 17 at Yankara Village in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Police sources revealed that Saidu beat and dragged the girl to an uncompleted building where he allegedly broke her neck.
The sources further revealed that Saratu was later rushed to Funtua General Hospital where a doctor confirmed her dead.