COUPLE ARRESTED FOR BEATING MINOR OVER MANGO PLUCKING IN BORNO

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The Borno State police have arrested a couple, Muhammad Shetima and Aisha Abubakar, for assaulting an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Goni, after she plucked mangoes from their compound.

According to a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, the arrest followed a viral video showing the abuse in Maiduguri’s Pompomari area.

The incident occurred on March 19, 2025, when Hauwa, a Primary 5 pupil at Bolori Primary School, entered Shetima’s residence to pick mangoes.

“In response, Mr. Shetima and his wife, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar 23yrs, accosted the child and subjected her to severe flogging. During the assault, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar recorded the incident and shared the video on social media”

The statement noted that following the incident, civil society organizations and citizens raised the alarm which led to their arrest.

“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, Borno State Command” Daso said

The spokesperson said the victim has been taken to hospital.

“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention and she is responding to treatment.

“The suspects are currently at the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department 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,” he noted.

He stated that the command will provide ongoing updates to the public to ensure accountability and transparency in the investigation.