Lagos child abuse death Igando shocks residents as couple arrested over alleged fatal assault on 10-year-old adopted daughter in Igando

Residents of the Igando area of Lagos State have been left in shock after a couple, identified as Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna, were allegedly arrested over the death of their 10-year-old adopted daughter, Faith, following claims of prolonged abuse and a fatal assault on Sunday.

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The incident reportedly occurred on Jemesi Papa Street after weeks of alleged maltreatment of the child, who neighbours said had been subjected to persistent physical abuse and excessive domestic errands despite her age and deteriorating health condition.

According to eyewitness accounts, the girl had been ill for about two weeks before the situation escalated fatally.

A resident, Adekunle Taofeek, said the alleged abuse continued even as the child’s condition worsened, ultimately leading to her death.

Taofeek described the situation as deeply disturbing, alleging that both parents assaulted the child severely on Sunday before she was later rushed to a hospital where she was confirmed dead on arrival.

Another resident, who requested anonymity, claimed the couple attempted to conceal the incident immediately after the child’s death, including keeping her body indoors before neighbours raised the alarm and alerted authorities.

The source further alleged that the husband had attempted to arrange for a tricycle to move the body before being intercepted by local youths, who later apprehended both suspects and reported the matter to the police.

Police operatives from the Igando division were deployed to the scene, where the couple was arrested and the child’s body recovered.

A police source said preliminary findings suggested the child was already deceased before being brought to a medical facility.

The source added that investigations are ongoing and that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further probe.

Taofeek, who also serves as a state coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, said a medical facility confirmed the child arrived dead, contradicting claims by the suspects that she died during treatment.

Authorities have yet to release an official detailed statement, as the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, had not responded to inquiries at the time of filing this report.

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The incident has intensified concerns over child welfare and domestic abuse in Lagos State, with residents calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice in what many described as a tragic and deeply disturbing case.