Family demands justice for 15-year-old daughter s3xually assaulted in Lagos

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - The family of a 15-year-old girl, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by her aunt’s neighbour, is calling for justice to be served and the perpetrator to be brought to book.

The girl was allegedly defiled by a 39-year-old man, identified as Uche, who is a neighbour to her aunt. He reportedly forced himself on the girl while holding a cutlass.

Her mother, Mrs Sharon Jonathan, said the girl left their residence on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Ojukwu Lane, Olodi-Apapa, to visit her aunt at 11 College Road, Olodi-Apapa, and returned home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The young girl thereafter became mentally unstable. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos.

Her mother said, “She went to her sister’s place because I was not around, and she returned home the next day unusually quiet. I took her to the hospital, and the result showed she had 1+ malaria and 1+ typhoid.

“The doctor told me that the result was not enough to explain her behaviour. I was advised to make her watch a movie that could brighten her mood. Later, she told me that Uncle Uche had tortured and sexually assaulted her.”

She added, “I called a pastor who is a family friend and he advised me to take her to the hospital for a test to determine if the guy penetrated. We went to the hospital, but she was revolting, and the doctor couldn’t attend to us, referring us to LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

“The doctor confirmed penetration, and Uche was arrested by the Tolu Police Post, Apapa, with the case transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.

“The life of my child is still hanging in the balance; I don’t want the case buried through the backdoor.”

Responding to the matter, the acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said, “The case was transferred to the Gender unit on September 4, 2025, and the suspect is in custody while the investigation is ongoing. Kindly note that the OC Gender is not a person to be compromised.”

Speaking with The Guardian, the Officer Commanding (OC) Gender, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Toyin Kazeem, said, “The suspect is in custody, investigation is ongoing, and he will be charged in court appropriately. Lagosians will be assured of justice and transparency.”