Update on Sexual Abuse Case of 16-Year-Old in Edo

The Edo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, has confirmed that an Alfa and the aunt of a 16-year-old student are in police custody for alleged sexual abuse.

Mrs Abdallah shared this update in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday. She mentioned that the aunt had been granted bail but was re-arrested.

The girl was staying with her paternal aunt after her parents separated and due to other family issues. The commissioner explained that the aunt visited the Alfa’s house for prayers and often left the girl there while she went to the market.

She added that the aunt would send the girl alone to the Alfa’s house for errands, like getting her mobile phone fixed, even though the aunt had sons to send instead.

Mrs Abdallah stated that during some visits, the girl was allegedly made sleepy or unable to respond and was then sexually assaulted by the Alfa, based on the information received.

The girl later told her aunt about feeling unwell, but her aunt dismissed her worries as just delayed menstruation or possible hallucinations.

The commissioner noted that the girl, who is still in secondary school, did not realize she was pregnant until friends started to raise concerns. Some of her friends became suspicious and informed the school’s headmistress, who then contacted the Ministry of Women Affairs.

According to Mrs Abdallah, further investigations by the ministry found that the girl was already over five months pregnant when the matter came to light.

She said that after the pregnancy was discovered, the aunt allegedly tried to pressure the girl into terminating it, which led the girl to reach out to her parents for help.

The commissioner explained that the situation was reported to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, resulting in the arrest and arraignment of both the Alfa and the aunt.

She mentioned that the aunt was initially released on bail but was later re-arrested and is now in police custody with the Alfa as investigations continue.

Mrs Abdallah confirmed that the girl is currently in a government shelter where plans are being made for her to safely complete her pregnancy under proper supervision.

She also said discussions are ongoing about what will happen to the baby after delivery, including possible adoption, which will follow the necessary procedures and consider what is best for the child.

The commissioner added that the girl’s mother is making plans to move her to Lagos after delivery. This way, she can continue her education and work on rebuilding her life.