Couple arrested for flogging minor over mangoes plucking in Borno
The Borno State police command has arrested a couple for physically assaulting an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Goni for plucking mangoes in their compound.
In a statement on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Assistant Superintendent Nahum Daso said the couple, Muhammad Shetima and Aisha Abubabar were arrested following a viral video depicting the physical abuse of a minor in the Pompomari area of Maiduguri.
The statement read, On March 19 2025, an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa 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”
The statement noted that following the incident, civil society organizations and citizens raised the alarm which led to their arrest.
“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, Borno State Command” Daso said
The spokesperson said the victim has been taken to hospital.
“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention and she is responding to treatment.
“The suspects are currently at the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department 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,” he noted.
He said the command will continue to update the public as the investigation continues for accountability and transparency.
