The Borno State Police Command has arrested a couple in connection with a viral video showing the brutal flogging of an 11-year-old girl in the Pompomari area of Maiduguri.
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Daily News 24 reports that the Borno Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed in a press release that the incident occurred on March 19, 2025, when the victim, Hauwa Mohammed Goni, a Primary 5 pupil at Bolori Primary School, entered the home of 33-year-old Muhammad Shetima to pluck mangoes. In response, Shetima and his wife, 23-year-old Aishatu Abubakar, allegedly beat the girl severely. Abubakar recorded the assault and shared it on social media, sparking outrage.
Concerned citizens and civil society organizations, including Potential Attorneys, petitioned authorities, leading to the couple’s arrest. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) collaborated with the police in apprehending the suspects.
The child has been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment and is reportedly responding well. Meanwhile, the suspects are being held at the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue.
The police have assured the public of a thorough probe, emphasizing that the suspects will face charges under the Child Protection Law and the Borno State Penal Code. Authorities pledged to provide further updates as the case progresses.
