Series of Arrests in Nigeria: Man Brutalizes Schoolgirl Over Mango Theft, Teenage Mother Suspected of Infanticide, and 57 Students Detained for School Vandalism
In a series of alarming incidents across Nigeria, authorities have made multiple arrests following cases of violence, suspected infanticide, and school vandalism. These events have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for justice and systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children and young mothers.
Maiduguri: Man Arrested for Vicious Attack on Schoolgirl
A man identified as Mamman Shettima Baba has been arrested for brutally assaulting a young schoolgirl who allegedly plucked mangoes from his compound in the Pompomari Housing Estate, Maiduguri. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, shows Shettima Baba repeatedly flogging the girl with a thick stick while his wife records the assault and encourages him to “beat her more.”
According to Zagazola, the girl and her friends were on their way home from school when they noticed an open gate with a mango tree inside. Acting on youthful curiosity, they entered the compound and picked some mangoes. However, some Almajiri children caught one of the girls and handed her over to the woman residing in the house, who then ordered her husband to punish the child.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) swiftly responded to the viral video and arrested Shettima Baba. During preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed to the assault, claiming that students had been persistently plucking mangoes from his tree. The brutality of the attack has drawn widespread condemnation from legal practitioners, child rights activists, and government officials.
Hamza Nuhu Dantani, a legal practitioner, has petitioned the Borno State Commissioner of Police, calling for the immediate prosecution of Shettima Baba. The petition outlines charges including culpable homicide, assault, criminal intimidation, and causing grievous hurt under the Borno State Penal Code Law, 2023. It also demands medical and psychological support for the traumatized victim and a public warning against violence and abuse of minors.
Borno State Commissioner of Education, Lawan Abbah Wakilbe, and the Commissioner of Justice have both assured the public that justice will be served. Wakilbe commended the NSCDC for its swift intervention during a visit to their command.
However, concerns remain about the culture of impunity surrounding child abuse and human rights violations in Borno State. Past cases have often failed to reach a logical conclusion due to political influence, social stigma, or pressure on victims to withdraw complaints. Observers are closely watching this case, as many believe it could set a precedent for future human rights cases in the state.
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Damasak: Teenage Mother Arrested for Suspected Infanticide
In a separate incident, the Borno State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old girl, Fatima Adamu, from Gamari Village, Niger Republic, on suspicion of infanticide after her newborn baby was found dead. The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, at around 8:00 a.m., when Fatima gave birth to a healthy male baby. Shortly after hearing the baby cry, a witness, Fanna Modu of Chinguluski Village, noticed that the infant was no longer alive and suspected foul play.
Police detectives visited the scene and conducted an initial examination of the baby’s body, which revealed no visible signs of violence. The corpse was taken to General Hospital Damasak for further medical examination to determine the cause of death. Fatima Adamu was arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.
The Borno State Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine whether the baby’s death was natural or intentional. Autopsy results from General Hospital Damasak are awaited to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ibadan: 57 Students Arrested for School Vandalism
In Ibadan, Oyo State, at least 57 students of Government Technical College, Orita Aperin, have been arrested for allegedly invading CAC Grammar School in the Adeshola area and causing significant damage to property. The incident occurred on March 20, 2025, at about 3:20 p.m., when a large group of students from Government Technical College stormed CAC Grammar School, shattering all the windows of the school laboratory, which was under renovation.
Additionally, the front and rear glass of a school staff member’s car was broken, and an engineer working on the renovation was injured in the attack. With the assistance of the school authorities and security agencies, 57 students were arrested in connection with the incident. The students are currently in police custody while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the attack and identify other culprits.
Calls for Justice and Systemic Reform
These incidents have highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children and young mothers, and to address youth violence and vandalism. Activists and legal experts are calling for stricter enforcement of laws against child abuse, violence, and property destruction, as well as better support systems for victims and their families.
As investigations continue, the public remains hopeful that justice will be served and that these cases will lead to meaningful changes in how such incidents are addressed in the future. The Nigerian government and civil society organizations are urged to take proactive steps to prevent such tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
By PRNigeria
