Mrs. Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, has promised that Temitope Adetanju, aged 25, who allegedly assaulted a 12-year-old girl with firewood, will face legal prosecution. Adeleye made this commitment on Friday in response to a viral video of the young girl that circulated on WhatsApp platforms the previous day. According to reports, the girl was severely beaten for reportedly stealing biscuits valued at N200, Mr fruit 300 and a satchel of Milo worth N150 in Obada, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In the video, recorded by concerned citizens, the girl explains the origin of the wounds visible on her private part and body.
The victim, who hails from Ijoun in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, revealed that she had been brought to live with Mrs. Adetanju, who is a friend of her father’s younger sister. She explained that her parents reside in Ijoun, and her guardian allegedly chose to punish her by burning her private part with a sizeable firewood for stealing biscuits.
Adeleye condemned the incident as extremely satanic, cruel and inhuman. She confirmed that the suspect has been apprehended by the police and will face prosecution for this egregious behavior.
She mentioned that she was informed about the incident on Thursday during her Hajj pilgrimage, but assured that actions are being taken. It was reported that the woman has been arrested, and the girl has been admitted to the health center in Obada, where the case is being handled by the Obada police station.
“This is barbaric and the height of wickedness. I can assure you that the culprit will not go unpunished.
“The wellness and well-being of all children in Ogun State is our utmost priority as enshrined in the Child Rights Law and the Governor is totally committed to this.
“My people will be at the court today where the woman is expected to be arraigned.”
