A couple in Maiduguri, Borno State, has been arrested following public outcry over a viral video depicting the physical abuse of an 11-year-old girl.

ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the arrest today in a press release on Saturday.

According to the police report, the incident occurred on March 19, 2025, when Hauwa Mohammed Goni, a primary five pupil of Bolori Primary School, Federal Low Cost, entered the residence of Mr Muhammad Shetima, 33, in the Pompomari area to pluck mangoes.

In response, Mr Shetima and his wife, Mrs Aishatu Abubakar, 23, allegedly accosted the child and subjected her to severe flogging. Shockingly, Mrs Abubakar reportedly recorded the assault and subsequently shared the video on social media platforms.

The disturbing video quickly gained widespread attention, prompting concerned citizens and civil society organisations, including a formal petition by Potential Attorneys, to demand action.

Their swift outcry led to the apprehension of the couple.

The arrest was made possible through the collaboration of concerned members of the public and operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Command.

Providing an update on the victim’s condition, the police stated that Hauwa Mohammed Goni has been admitted to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and is currently receiving medical treatment.

“The victim has since been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for medical attention, and she is responding to treatment,” the statement reads.

The arrested couple is currently being held at the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Maiduguri, where investigations are actively ongoing before the commencement of prosecution.

The Borno State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated and that the suspects would face the full weight of the law.

“The Command assures the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated, and the suspects will be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Child Protection Law and the Borno State Penal Code Law,” stated ASP Daso.

In line with their commitment to accountability and transparency, the Police Command has pledged to keep the public informed about the progress of the case as it unfolds.