Man remanded for abusing wife, kids

A 36-year- old man, Lekan Wasiu, who allegedly battered his wife and wilfully abused his children with cane has been arraigned before an Ogudu Magistrates Court in Lagos.

Wasiu was granted N50,000 bail by Magistrate Mrs O. Sule-Amzat with two sureties that must be his relatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused is facing a three-count charge of grievous bodily harm, a threat to life and assault.

The case was adjourned until March 2, for trial.

The accused, alleged to have physically abused his wife and children, was also reported to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) at Ketu Police Station by neighbours.

The Team Coordinator, Mrs Titilola Adeniyi gave an account of how the perpetrator treated his family.

“We received a complaint from the Citizens Mediation Centre on behalf of a good Samaritan regarding an allegation of battering and threat to life on Jan 26.

“The accused assaulted his wife and willfully abused his two children, aged six and three respectively at 8, Olusosun Street, Ikeja.

“We learnt that the accused, who now lives at 31, Ajigbawo Street, Ibafo, Ogun State had deserted his wife, so he took his children to one Mrs Mariam Wasiu who sells herbal concoction for care.

“This same woman whom the accused kept his children with was always beating the children and maltreated them, not putting their age into consideration.

“Neighbours told us that the accused usually beat the children’s mother with cane, that was why she left the accused, but he didn’t allow her to take her children along.

“The Family Support Unit of Ketu Police Station investigated the matter and ensured that the alleged perpetrator and the other woman were detained.

“Due to the severity of the wounds inflicted on the children, DSVRT referred the children to Primary Health Centre, Kosofe Local Government, at Ogudu for treatment,” she said.

Adeniyi also said Family Social Services of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development had been informed of the matter to adequately protect and safeguard the children’s right.