According to a statement from SC Friday Ekerete, the NSCDC spokesperson, the father and stepmother were arrested for child deprivation and abuse.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village, Ibiono Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint from the Ministry of Justice regarding the inhumane treatment of the girl.
The accused, Mr. Ndifreke Sunday Etok, 38, and his wife, Mrs. Victory Fortune Sunday, 28, admitted to confining the child. They claimed they believed she was a witch responsible for their misfortunes and that she would disappear for weeks when freed.
The victim, Bright Fortune Sunday, recounted her suffering, stating she was confined in a dilapidated room, denied food and bathing, and frequently beaten by her stepmother. She reported being fed only every two days, bathed no more than twice a month, and denied an education. She confessed to being a witch to stop the beatings.
Commandant Eluwade Eluyemi condemned the brutal treatment as a violation of the dignity guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. He denounced the actions as barbaric and urged parents to avoid such abuses, highlighting that rehabilitation centers are available for those suspected of erratic behavior.
Eluyemi also emphasized that Akwa Ibom State offers free and compulsory education up to SS3 and stressed that denying children education is an offense. He pointed out that Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 criminalizes the unlawful confinement of individuals, with penalties including imprisonment or fines.
The young girl has been placed in a Gender-Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action.
