The Borno State Police Command has arrested a couple for allegedly assaulting an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Goni, after she plucked mangoes from their compound in the Pompomari area of Maiduguri.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nahum Daso, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the couple, Muhammad Shetima, 33, and his wife, Aisha Abubakar, 23, were taken into custody after a video of the incident went viral.
“On March 19, 2025, an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Goni, a Primary 5 pupil of Bolori Primary School, entered the residence of Mr. Muhammad Shetima in Pompomari to pluck mangoes. In response, Mr. Shetima and his wife, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar, accosted the child and subjected her to severe flogging. During the assault, Mrs. Abubakar recorded the incident and shared the video on social media,” the statement read.
Daso noted that the couple’s arrest followed widespread public outrage, as civil society organizations and concerned citizens demanded justice.
“A petition filed by Potential Attorneys, alongside pressure from civil society organizations and citizens, led to the couple’s swift arrest. They were apprehended with the help of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Borno State Command,” he added.
The young girl was taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical care and is currently recovering.
Meanwhile, the police have transferred the suspects to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Maiduguri for further investigation.
“The case will be thoroughly investigated, and the suspects will be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Child Protection Law and the Borno State Penal Code Law,” Daso assured.
