There was shock in the Igando area of Lagos as a couple, Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna, have been arrested over the alleged beating of their 10-year-old adopted daughter, Faith, to death.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at their residence on Jemesi Papa Street, following what residents described as prolonged and repeated abuse of the child.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the girl had been living with the couple for some time and was allegedly subjected to frequent assaults and strenuous domestic errands despite her age.
A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the child had been ill for about two weeks before the fatal incident, adding that the abuse reportedly continued despite her condition.
He said, “The couple had been maltreating the child for a long time. She was sick, but instead of care, she was still beaten. On Sunday, the beating became severe and she died.”
Residents further alleged that after the child’s death, the couple attempted to conceal the incident. The victim was reportedly rushed to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
Angered by the development, youths in the community reportedly apprehended the woman, while the husband was later arrested after allegedly attempting to dispose of the body.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said the suspects initially kept the death secret.
“They kept the body inside the room and acted normal. The woman even came out to cook. It was neighbours who suspected foul play and raised alarm,” the resident said.
The matter was subsequently reported at the Igando Police Division, after which operatives moved in and arrested the couple while recovering the child’s body.
A police source told PUNCH Metro that the suspects claimed the child was ill and died while receiving treatment, but preliminary findings suggested otherwise.
“Our findings indicate the child was already dead before she was taken to the hospital. The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation,” the source said.
A community source, Adekunle Taofeek, also said a medical facility confirmed that the child was brought in dead, contradicting the suspects’ account.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
