38-Year-Old Woman Arraigned for Alleged Child Abuse in Lagos

A 38-year-old woman, Adaku Emeka, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly subjecting an 11-year-old boy to indecent and abusive treatment.

Emeka, who resides on Oseni Street in the Oshodi area of Lagos, is facing a one-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, to which she pleaded not guilty.

According to the Prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, the defendant committed the offence on July 1 at her residence. Ikhayere told the court that Emeka allegedly burned the boy’s body with fire from a burning nylon and also hit his head on a hard object, causing visible swelling on both his head and body.

The prosecutor stated that the offence contravenes Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment for anyone found guilty of indecently dealing with a child.

Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦280,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, the magistrate said, must be gainfully employed and provide verifiable addresses.

The case was adjourned to August 28 for further mention.