A 45 year-old grandmother on Monday in Lagos appeared before an Ogba Magistrates’ Court for alleged maltreatment of her five year old granddaughter.
The accused, Mrs Ronke Shitta, who resides at Masha Area of Surulere, Lagos, pleaded not guilty to a count charge of indecent treatment of a child.
The prosecutor, Insp Clifford Ogu said the accused committed the offence at her residence on July 15 around 2pm.
“The grand mum indecently battered her granddaughter with a big stick, which gave her permanent marks.
“The neighbours said that it has been her usual way of beating the five year old girl.
“They said that she sends her errands that were too much for her age,” he said.
The prosecutor said that the case which was posted on Facebook by some concerned persons reported it to the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
It was the DPP that informed the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) about the matter.
The team coordinator, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the case was reported to them on July 17 and drastic actions were taken immediately.
“We were accompanied by an officer from the social welfare department of our team and visited the location where the incident occurred to rescue the child but the alleged perpetrator had fled the scene.
“We got through to her husband who promised to bring her to the Gender Desk of Police Command in Lagos the following day.
“She was brought to the Lagos State Command the following day as promised.
“Meanwhile, the child was subsequently taken into protective custody whilst the alleged abuser was arraigned,” she said.
NAN reports that any person who unlawfully and indecently treats a child is guilty of a felony and liable to seven years imprisonment.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two reputable sureties with verifiable address.
The case was adjourned to Aug.2 for trial.
(NAN)