…Stepmother Detained for Allegedly Aiding Gruesome Punishment
The Ogun State Police Command, Kemta Idi-Aba Division, has arrested a woman, Seun Olowogemo, for subjecting an 11-year-old girl to brutal torture with burning coal as punishment for allegedly stealing fish.
The incident, described by the police as “inhuman and wicked,” also led to the arrest of the victim’s stepmother, who reportedly facilitated the horrifying act.
Confirming the arrest, the Divisional Police Officer of Kemta Idi-Aba, CSP Famobuwa Olawale, expressed shock at the level of cruelty involved.
“The act of forcing a child to lie down on burning coal, and even sitting on her back, is not just inhuman but could easily lead to murder,” he stated.
He further explained that the victim’s stepmother, who took the girl to Olowogemo for punishment, was detained as an accomplice to underscore the gravity of her involvement.
The victim’s father, David Kofoworola, narrated the ordeal to MedalinksNews24, recounting how the situation unfolded.
“I was informed on Friday that my daughter had stolen fish. I told my wife, her stepmother, that I would address the matter when I returned from work,” Kofoworola said.
“But when I got home, I found out that my daughter had been subjected to life-threatening torture.”
According to Kofoworola, his wife took the young girl to a neighbor, Seun Olowogemo, for disciplinary action.
What followed was an act of unimaginable cruelty: Olowogemo allegedly forced the girl to lie chest-down on burning coal, then sat on her back as the child cried and begged for mercy.
“You need to see my daughter’s burns—her laps, chest, and stomach were severely scorched,” Kofoworola lamented.
“She was in so much pain, crying and pleading not to be left to die. With the help of community members who raised funds, I rushed her to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba in Abeokuta for treatment.”
Kofoworola immediately reported the incident to the Kemta Idi-Aba police, which led to the swift arrest of both Olowogemo and his wife.
“I couldn’t let this go unreported. What they did to my daughter could have cost her life,” he said.
The 11-year-old girl is currently receiving treatment at FMC Idi-Aba, where she is recovering from severe burns. She is expected to be discharged soon.
