The Police have arrested a couple over the assault of young schoolgirls who plucked mangoes from their compound in the Pompomari area of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Videos of the incident had triggered outrage, with many calling on the authorities to act.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Borno State Command, said the couple were apprehended with the assistance of concerned citizens and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Command.
“On 19th March 2025, an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Mohammed Goni, a Primary 5 pupil of Bolori Primary School, Federal Low Cost, entered the residence of one Mr. Muhammad Shetima 33yrs, in Pompomari to pluck 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.
“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 (NSCDC), Borno State Command.
“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for medical attention and she is responding to treatment.
“The suspects are currently at the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) 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.
“For accountability and transparency, the Command will continue to provide updates on the progress of the case,” the statement read.
