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One Mr. Benjamin Endurance, who burnt his 4-year-old daughter with hot boiling ring for bed wetting, was Friday arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court 4 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
The Unimaginable had reported that the minor, simply identified as Goodness, was tortured daily by her 36-year-old father and stepmother, as punishment for bed wetting in her sleep.
The incident occurred on October 13, 2016 at about 11pm on Prosco Road, Okaka area of Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state and the state Police spokesperson, Asinim Butswat, had confirmed the report, saying the parents were being investigated and the girl, who sustained high degree burns was receiving medical attention.
After concerned neighbours reported the matter to the Police through the officials of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the suspect was dragged to court by the Police Prosecution counsel, Inspector Joses Totekume.
The accused is facing a three count charge of alleged criminal intent, denial of the victim of proper medical attention and attempted breach of the peace.
In the charge sheet, the police said, “That he (Endurance) did willfully injure his daughter, Goodness Endurance by using a hot electric heater on her legs because she urinated on the floor where she was asleep.
“By the act, the suspect committed an offence punishable under Section 282 Cap.14 of the Criminal Code Laws of Bayelsa State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you (Endurance) did willfully, recklessly and negligently deprived your daughter, Goodness, the right to health and health services by refusing to send her for medical treatment after injuring her and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 12 (1) and (2) of the Child Rights Bill, Laws of Bayelsa State of Nigeria, 2015.
“That you (Endurance) did conduct yourself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by forcing your daughter, Goodness, to sleep on the floor without mat and thereby committed an offence punishable under 186 of the Criminal Code laws of Bayelsa State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The accused person pleaded guilty.
In her ruling, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.B. Mirin-Johnson, adjourned the matter till November 1 for trial.
