The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a couple in the Igando area over the alleged death of a 10-year-old girl named Faith. Community sources reported that the child, who was adopted by the couple, suffered prolonged abuse before she died.
The suspects, identified as Adline Ogbonna and Onyema Paul, reside on Jemesi Papa Street, Modina Road, Egan, in Igando. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igando Police Station, CSP Amori Fatai, confirmed the arrest on Monday morning, April 27, stating that the couple was apprehended earlier in the day and the child's body was recovered during the operation.
Community Outrage and Eyewitness Accounts
Residents of the community expressed outrage over the incident, alleging that the couple repeatedly mistreated the child before her death. A community source named Adeyemi provided details of how the incident came to light.
According to Adeyemi, a neighbor rushed to report a case of murder. The couple had adopted a 10-year-old girl and were consistently maltreating and assaulting her, while also sending her on unnecessary errands. The child had been sick for about two weeks, yet the abuse continued. On the day of her death, both the husband and wife allegedly beat the child severely despite her condition, leading to her death.
Attempt to Conceal the Incident
After the child's death, the suspects allegedly attempted to conceal the incident. They rushed her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Youths in the community apprehended the woman while the husband went out to look for a tricycle to dispose of the body. He was caught when he returned with the tricycle, and both suspects were held until authorities arrived.
Adeyemi immediately contacted the DPO of Igando Division and instructed the landlady to report the matter formally. The DPO deployed officers to arrest the couple and recover the body. The male suspect initially claimed the child died during treatment at a hospital, but a call to the doctor confirmed that the child was already dead and cold on arrival.
Determination for Justice
The community source stressed that residents are determined to ensure justice is served. “This matter will not be swept under the carpet,” the source added. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, and the suspects are in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
