The Borno state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a couple for beating up an 11-year-old school pupil who allegedly entered their residence in Pompomari, Maiduguri, to pluck mangoes.  

The spokesperson for the command, Nahum Kenneth Daso, in a statement on Saturday, said the arrest followed the circulation of a disturbing video showing the physical abuse of the minor by the couple.  

It read, “On March 19, 2025, an 11-year-old girl, Hauwa Mohammed Goni, a Primary 5 pupil of Bolori Primary School, Federal Low Cost, entered the residence of one Mr. Muhammad Shetima, 33 years old, in Pompomari to pluck mangoes.  

“In response, Mr. Shetima and his wife, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar, 23 years old, accosted the child and subjected her to severe flogging. During the assault, Mrs. Aishatu Abubakar recorded the incident and shared the video on social media.”  

The command said the couple was arrested after concerned citizens and civil society organisations, including a petition filed by Potential Attorneys, swiftly raised the alarm, while the girl was taken to a medical facility for treatment.  

“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for medical attention, and she is responding to treatment. The suspects are currently at the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, as investigations are ongoing before prosecution.”  

The command, however, assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated and that the suspects would be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Child Protection Law and the state’s Penal Code Law.