Two people detained in Edo State in case of alleged abuse of schoolgirl
In Nigeria’s Edo State, a person identified in the source as Alpha and the paternal aunt of a 16-year-old schoolgirl are being held in custody in a case of alleged sexual abuse. This was reported by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, according to Premium Times Nigeria.
Case circumstances
According to Abdallah, after her parents divorced, the girl lived in the care of her aunt, her father’s younger sister. The official said that the woman visited Alpha’s residence for prayers and sometimes left her niece there when she went to the market.
The commissioner also said that the aunt repeatedly sent the girl alone to the residence on errands, including to have a mobile phone repaired. The ministry received information that during some of these visits, the schoolgirl felt drowsy or was incapacitated, after which Alpha allegedly sexually abused her.
The girl complained to her aunt about physical discomfort, but the aunt, according to Abdallah, attributed it to a delayed menstrual period or possible hallucinations.
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Pregnancy and assistance
The schoolgirl initially did not know she was pregnant. Her friends suspected it and informed the school principal, who contacted the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. According to the commissioner, when officials became aware of the situation, the girl was more than five months pregnant.
After the pregnancy was discovered, the aunt allegedly tried to force the minor to terminate it, after which the girl sought help from her parents. The case was referred to a sexual violence survivors’ support center, after which Alpha and the aunt were arrested and the case was taken to court. The aunt was initially released on bail but was later rearrested.
The girl is currently staying in a state shelter, where she is to receive proper supervision until childbirth. Officials are considering options for the child after birth, including possible adoption in accordance with established procedures and the child’s interests. The schoolgirl’s mother plans to take her to Lagos after the birth so that she can continue her education.
