Local chief brutally assaults pregnant woman in Lagos

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The incident which happened at the Isheri-Oshun area of the state, saw the seven-months pregnant woman severely floggedby the chief and his thugs, leading to her sustaining serious injuries.

The heavily pregnant Olasunkanmi, was first rushed to a private hospital, before she was transferred to the Igando General Hospital for fear she could lose the pregnancy, while the assault was reported at the Isheri Oshun Police Division, leading to the arrest of Chief Ajiroba.

The victim further claimed that after she reported the matter to the police, she had been receiving calls threatening her life, which made her to write a petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 2, Onikan, Bala Hassan.

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"I work as a mobile bread vendor, and the assault happened on March 11, 2016, while I was supplying bread to a customer at the Ijegun bus stop. At a point in the transaction, I noticed that another bread vendor had thrown her wooden tray on the bonnet of my car.

I realised that she was being harassed by some local levy collectors operating in the area. I intervened by pleading with the collectors to let her go as she strapped a baby to her back, I said, ‘Leave this woman alone.’

It was at this point that one Chief Ajiroba, accompanied by four hoodlums, emerged from a corner with a cane and began to flog me. I was beaten like a criminal at the bus stop despite being pregnant.

I ran to the Isheri Osun Division and reported the matter. Policemen thereafter followed me to the chief and he was detained that day. Although the chief has apologised to me, my fear is that strange people have been visiting my residence since the encounter.

Most of them warned me that my life was no longer safe as I dared to report a chief to the police. I want the police to help me out and ensure that justice is served in this matter. I go almost every day to the Igando General Hospital for checkups.”

Chief Ajirobi on his part, said he did not know the victim was pregnant and that he is sorry for what he did.

“I did not know she was pregnant. I did not know her before that day. I saw two women fighting at the bus stop and I flogged both of them. I have been begging her to drop this matter.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, saying the police will ensure that justice is served in the case.

“A case of assault occasioning harm was reported against the suspect. Investigation is ongoing. The command will ensure that justice is done,” she said.