Police in Lagos have arrested a couple over the death of a 10-year-old girl, identified as Faith, following allegations of prolonged abuse and neglect in the Igando area of the state.
Residents of Jemesi Papa Street in the Egan community said the girl had been ill for about two weeks before her death but was allegedly subjected to continued maltreatment, including beatings and strenuous labor.
The suspects, identified as Paul Onyeama and his wife, Adline, are in custody after the girl’s body was discovered in their apartment.
A neighbor, Ferdinand Igwe, said he became suspicious late Sunday after noticing unusual movements in the compound, including the arrival of several unfamiliar men through the back entrance.
The situation escalated Monday morning when a group of women entered the couple’s apartment and raised alarm.
“I heard them shouting that the girl was dead,” Igwe said, adding that he prevented people from leaving the compound until the situation became clear.
Igwe said he later found the girl’s body inside the apartment, already stiff, with cotton wool placed in her nose and mouth, suggesting she had died earlier.
Another resident, Angela Orji, said the discovery sparked outrage among neighbors, with some attempting to attack the female suspect before being restrained.
Residents said the girl showed visible signs of abuse and malnourishment prior to her death and was often made to carry heavy loads and run errands despite her condition.
“She was not enrolled in school and was treated differently from the couple’s biological children,” Orji said.
Witnesses also alleged that cries were frequently heard from the apartment and that the girl’s condition had worsened in the days leading up to her death.
A local activist, Taofeek Adekunle of the Take It Back Movement, said the suspect claimed the girl died during treatment at a hospital. However, he said a doctor confirmed the child was brought in dead.
Police sources said preliminary findings indicate the girl had died before she was taken for medical attention.
The case was reported at the Igando Police Division and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.
Investigators said the victim had been brought to Lagos from Ebonyi State about six months ago and was believed to be related to the female suspect.
Residents said the case has left the community in shock and renewed concerns over child welfare and abuse.
The police spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment.
