Police probe death of 10-year-old adopted girl in Lagos over alleged abuse
A tragic incident in Igando, Lagos State, has triggered a police investigation following the death of a 10-year-old adopted girl reportedly under the care of a couple accused of sustained maltreatment.
Residents of the area said the situation appeared to have been building quietly over time before culminating in the child’s death.
According to accounts from neighbours, the girl had been unwell for about two weeks prior to the incident, yet was allegedly still subjected to harsh treatment and sent on errands despite her condition.
A resident identified as Adekunle Taofeek alleged that the child had been repeatedly abused in the household.
“The couple had adopted a 10-year-old girl. They had been consistently maltreating and assaulting the child, while also sending her on unnecessary errands,” he claimed.
He further stated that the situation worsened despite her illness. “I was informed that the girl had been sick for about two weeks, yet the abuse continued. Yesterday, both the husband and wife allegedly assaulted her despite her condition, and she later died,” he added.
The child was reportedly rushed to a hospital after the incident but was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.
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Another resident, who spoke anonymously, alleged that there was an initial attempt to conceal the death. According to the source, the child’s body was allegedly kept inside the home while normal household activities continued.
“The moment the girl died, they kept her in the room and acted like nothing had happened. The wife even went on to cook as if everything was normal,” the resident claimed.
The same source added that suspicion only arose after neighbours noticed unusual silence and absence of activity around the child.
“It was people in the area who noticed unusual silence around the child that raised concern. If not for that, the matter may have been hidden,” the source said.
It was also gathered that the man in the household was later apprehended after allegedly attempting to make arrangements to move the child’s body.