Lagos, Nigeria – A 45-year-old woman, Stella Nwadigbo, has been arraigned in Lagos Magistrate Court for the indecent treatment and assault of a three-year-old primary school pupil in Ikorodu, Lagos. The disturbing incident, which has sparked public outrage, was captured in a viral video that circulated widely across social media, leading to the swift intervention of the police.
Nwadigbo, who appeared in court today, January 9, 2025, faced charges related to child abuse and assault. The victim, a young student at a local primary school in the Ikorodu area, was allegedly subjected to cruel and degrading treatment by Nwadigbo, a woman whose relationship to the child remains unclear.
A Call for Justice
The case gained significant attention after a video showing Nwadigbo’s assault on the young child was widely shared online. In the video, the suspect can be seen engaging in indecent conduct toward the toddler, which has since led to widespread calls for justice and accountability. The footage sparked immediate outrage from members of the public, who demanded that the authorities take swift and decisive action.
A resident of Ikorodu, who spoke to this newspaper under the condition of anonymity, expressed disbelief over the incident: “I can’t understand how someone could treat a child like that. It’s heartbreaking to see such cruelty,” the individual said. “We’re all praying that the authorities handle this case swiftly and ensure the child gets justice.”
The viral video was brought to the attention of the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Ikorodu Police Division, which immediately launched an investigation into the matter. According to a statement from the Lagos State Police Command, Nwadigbo was apprehended on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and taken into custody for questioning.
Police Promptly Act on Public Tip-Offs
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, praised the public for their swift response in bringing the disturbing footage to the police’s attention. “The promptness with which Nigerians alerted the authorities to this case demonstrates the collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children,” Hundeyin said in a statement. “We commend the vigilance of Lagos residents and assure them that the police will continue to act promptly to protect vulnerable citizens.”
After her arrest, Nwadigbo was immediately transferred to the Gender Unit at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters for further investigation. Meanwhile, the child was taken to a medical facility for a thorough examination and treatment, although reports have not yet confirmed the extent of the injuries sustained.
Court Hearing and Remand
At her arraignment today, Nwadigbo was remanded to Kirikiri Correctional Facility until February 18, 2025, when the case will return to court for the continuation of hearings. The charges against her include assault, child abuse, and indecent treatment, all of which carry serious legal consequences under Nigerian law.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, expressed his concern over the incident, reaffirming the state’s commitment to child protection and swift legal action. “We take matters of child abuse and indecent treatment very seriously. The safety and security of children remain a priority for this Command,” CP Ishola remarked.
The case has already garnered significant media attention, with many Nigerians calling for harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of child abuse. “Cases like this should not be taken lightly. We must protect our children from harm at all costs,” said Olajumoke Adebayo, a child rights advocate. “The justice system must show that such actions will not be tolerated.”
Background of Child Abuse Cases in Nigeria
This case comes amid growing concerns over child abuse and violence in Nigeria. A 2022 report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) highlighted the alarming increase in child abuse cases, noting that many go unreported due to fear of social stigma or lack of proper reporting mechanisms. Experts believe that incidents of child abuse are often underreported, leaving many victims without justice.
The Nigerian government has made efforts in recent years to combat child abuse through stricter laws and advocacy campaigns. For instance, the Child Rights Act, passed in 2003, seeks to protect children from violence, exploitation, and neglect. However, the enforcement of these laws has been inconsistent, and cases like the one involving Nwadigbo show that more needs to be done to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s children.
In Lagos, the state government has established various support systems, including the Family Support Unit, to provide immediate assistance to victims of child abuse and violence. The police have also increased their awareness campaigns, urging citizens to report any form of child neglect or mistreatment.
The Road Ahead for the Victim
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are keeping a close eye on the case to see how the justice system handles such a serious matter. Legal experts believe that the evidence against Nwadigbo, including the viral video, will likely play a critical role in the prosecution’s case.
The victim, whose identity has been kept confidential for safety reasons, is currently receiving the necessary care and support, both medically and psychologically. Experts emphasize the importance of counseling and therapy for children who have experienced trauma, as the effects of abuse can last long into adulthood.
“It’s important that we offer the child the emotional and psychological support they need to recover from this horrific experience,” said Dr. Sandra Akinwumi, a child psychologist based in Lagos. “The road to healing for abuse survivors is long, but with the right support, they can rebuild their lives.”
Call for Stricter Penalties and Social Change
The case of Stella Nwadigbo has opened up wider discussions on the need for stronger legal measures against child abuse and better societal awareness. Advocates are urging the Nigerian government to adopt stricter laws and ensure that perpetrators of child abuse face severe consequences.
“The safety of our children should be non-negotiable,” said Adebayo. “We cannot afford to let this issue slide. It is time for society to come together and make sure that incidents like this are eradicated.”
As Nigerians wait for the court’s decision in February, the case has become a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to protect vulnerable children and the importance of swift action in addressing instances of abuse.
