Abuja: The Edo Government has announced the rearrest of the mother and stepfather of an 11-year-old girl allegedly abused in Benin. They are set to face prosecution after renewed investigations into the case were initiated, state authorities revealed.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, confirmed in an interview that the suspects were initially released from police custody due to a lack of official police records indicating their reason for detention. However, the suspects have now been rearrested, and the ministry is preparing for prosecution to ensure accountability and protection for the victim.
Abdallah emphasized, “The suspects were released because nobody recorded why they were brought to the station. However, they have been rearrested, and the ministry will prosecute both the mother and stepfather. We are determined to ensure that justice is served.” She also highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies to safeguard the child’s rights and welfare.
The commissioner noted that the victim has been placed under protective care, receiving medical treatment, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, and other interventions to aid her recovery. The ministry is committed to monitoring her welfare and well-being as investigations continue, ensuring every necessary measure is taken to support rehabilitation efforts.
In another interview with NAN, Mr. Lucky Orukpe, President of the Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria, recounted taking the child and her mother to the police. He reported the matter after being informed of it and contacted the Edo Ministry of Women Affairs, which took charge of the case. Initially, the suspects were released from custody, and the child’s mother reportedly relocated, complicating monitoring efforts. However, with Orukpe’s assistance, police tracked down the suspects, leading to their rearrest and resumed investigations into the alleged abuse.
NAN reports that the case gained public attention following a viral video recorded by Orukpe, which displayed the child with injuries allegedly resulting from physical abuse. In the video, the child’s mother, Beauty, allegedly admitted to burning part of the girl’s lower body with melted nylon cellophane as punishment for perceived misconduct. The ministry then intervened, placing the child under protective care while investigations and interventions were initiated to ensure her safety and recovery.
Authorities discovered older injury marks on various parts of the child’s body, raising concerns about repeated abuse over an extended period. As investigations continue, government officials and law enforcement agencies strive to establish the facts and secure justice for the victim.