The Edo State Government has confirmed the rearrest of a woman and her husband over allegations that they physically abused the woman’s 11-year-old daughter.
The state said renewed investigations had led to the suspects being taken back into custody and that both would be prosecuted.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Eugenia Abdallah disclosed the development in Benin City on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Suspects Initially Released From Custody
Abdallah explained that the girl’s mother and stepfather were initially released because police records did not indicate why they had been brought to the station.
She said the absence of proper documentation affected the authorities’ ability to continue holding the suspects at that stage.
The commissioner confirmed that they had since been rearrested and said the ministry would pursue legal action against them.
She maintained that the Edo Government was committed to accountability and ensuring justice for the child.
Child Placed Under Protective Care
The commissioner said the 11-year-old girl had been removed from the environment in which the alleged abuse occurred.
She is currently receiving medical care, psychosocial support, temporary accommodation and other services intended to assist her recovery.
Abdallah said the ministry would continue monitoring the child’s physical and emotional wellbeing while law-enforcement agencies investigated the allegations.
She added that the government would work with relevant institutions to protect the girl’s rights and support her rehabilitation.
Traders’ Union President Reports Case
President of the Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria Lucky Orukpe said he took the girl and her mother to the police after the matter was brought to his attention.
Orukpe said he also contacted the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which subsequently assumed responsibility for the case.
According to him, the suspects were released during the initial stage of the investigation.
He said the child’s mother later moved away from her former residence, making it more difficult for concerned individuals to monitor the case.
Police Trace and Rearrest Suspects
Orukpe said police officers eventually located the suspects with his assistance and rearrested them.
The development allowed investigators to resume inquiries into the alleged assault and the circumstances surrounding the girl’s injuries.
The case attracted widespread public attention after a video recorded by Orukpe circulated on social media.
The footage reportedly showed the child with visible injuries believed to be connected to physical abuse and mistreatment.
Mother Allegedly Admitted Burning Child
In the video, the mother, identified as Beauty, allegedly admitted using melted nylon cellophane to burn part of the girl’s lower body as punishment for alleged misconduct.
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs later intervened, rescued the child and placed her in protective custody.
Authorities also began investigations and arranged medical and welfare support for the alleged victim.
The mother reportedly claimed the incident occurred while her husband was away from home.
However, some residents alleged that the stepfather held the child down during the incident.
Older Injuries Raise Further Concerns
Officials reportedly observed older injury marks on several areas of the girl’s body.
The discovery raised concerns that the alleged mistreatment may not have been an isolated incident and could have continued over a longer period.
Authorities have not yet announced the outcome of their investigations or the specific charges that may be filed against the suspects.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspects are entitled to defend themselves in court.
Edo State officials said they would continue cooperating with law-enforcement and child-protection agencies to establish the facts and safeguard the victim.
