Lagos Couple Assault 10-Year-Old House Help to Death

Police in Lagos State have taken into custody a couple, Paul Onyeama and Adline Ogbonna, over the death of their 10-year-old adopted daughter in the Igando area of the state.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has drawn public outrage and renewed concern over child welfare and domestic abuse in residential communities.

Residents of Jemesi Papa Street reported that the child, identified as Faith, had been living with the couple for some time and was allegedly subjected to repeated physical punishment and excessive domestic chores. According to neighbours, she had also been unwell for about two weeks before her death, but the alleged abuse reportedly continued during that period.

Community members said the situation reached a critical point on Sunday when the girl was allegedly assaulted again while already in poor health. She reportedly died shortly afterward.

Attempts were made by the couple to take the child to a medical facility, where she was confirmed dead on arrival, according to hospital staff familiar with the case.

Tension rose in the neighbourhood after residents learned of the death. The woman was first apprehended by youths in the area, while the man was later detained after attempts to allegedly move the body discreetly.

Witnesses said the couple initially kept the incident from neighbours and behaved as though nothing had happened before the discovery was made.

Police officers from the Igando division arrived at the scene following a report from residents. The couple was arrested, and the child’s body was recovered and deposited for further examination.

A police source stated that during questioning, the suspects claimed the child died from illness while receiving treatment. However, preliminary findings reportedly indicate that she had already died before reaching the hospital.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.

Community leaders and activists have called for a thorough investigation and prosecution if wrongdoing is confirmed, describing the case as a serious breach of child protection laws.

Police authorities have yet to release an official public statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.