The couple who assaulted young schoolgirls who plucked mangoes from their compound in the Pompomari area of Maiduguri, Borno State has been arrested.
Videos of brutalization had triggered outrage, with many calling on the authorities to act.
The Borno State Command Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the couple was apprehended with the assistance of concerned citizens and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Command.
The statement said: “On 19th March 2025, an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Mohammed Goni, a Primary 5 pupil of Bolori Primary School, Federal Low Cost, entered the residence of one Mr. Muhammad Shetima 33yrs, in Pompomari to pluck mangoes. In response, Mr. Shetima and his wife, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar 23yrs, accosted the child and subjected her to severe flogging.
“Concerned citizens and civil society organizations, including a petition filed by Potential Attorneys, swiftly raised the alarm, leading to the couple’s arrest.
“They were apprehended with the assistance of concerned citizens and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Command.
“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for medical attention and she is responding to treatment.
“The suspects are currently at the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Maiduguri as investigations are ongoing before prosecution.
“The Command assures the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated, and the suspects will be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Child Protection Law and the Borno State Penal Code Law.
“For accountability and transparency, the Command will continue to provide updates on the progress of the case.”
- Insurgents Kills 10 Hunters, Civilian JTF In Adamawa - April 29, 2025
- Pope Francis Laid To Rest At Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica - April 26, 2025
- Adamawa State Police Command Arrests 148 Suspects for Various Offences - April 25, 2025