CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A woman, Taiwo Opeyemi, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over an allegation of child stealing at a medical centre in Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
The case was filed as Commissioner of Police Vs Taiwo Opeyemi ‘F’.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs O. Kusanu.
The prosecutor in the matter was SP Philip Adegbemuji.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant was alleged to have committed the offence at P & G Medical Centre, Abule Egba, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that the incident occurred at about 0900 hours at the said medical centre.
In the single count charge, Taiwo Opeyemi was alleged to have committed an offence to wit: child stealing.
The offence was said to be punishable under Section 21 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The charge did not disclose further particulars of the alleged victim in the document made available for this report, and this newspaper has deliberately withheld any identifying details of the alleged victim in line with best practice for the protection of minors.
When the charge was read to her in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following her plea, the prosecutor did not oppose bail but urged the court to impose stringent conditions to ensure her attendance at trial.
Magistrate Kusanu granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri Town pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
The court adjourned the matter for further hearing to allow the defendant to meet her bail conditions and for the prosecution to present its case.
Child stealing is a serious offence under the laws of Lagos State. The law treats any allegation involving a child with utmost seriousness, because of the vulnerability of children and the trauma such an incident can cause to the child, the parents and the wider community.
Medical centres, hospitals and maternity homes are places where parents and guardians expect their children to be safe. Any allegation of child stealing in such a facility therefore raises serious concern among residents and health workers.
Residents of Abule Egba, a densely populated community in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have continued to call for increased vigilance in hospitals, schools, churches, mosques and other public places where children are present.
Security experts have advised parents and guardians to be extra careful with their children in public places, to always keep them within sight and to immediately report any suspicious movement to the hospital management or to the nearest police station.
The Police have also advised members of the public not to take the law into their own hands when such allegations arise, but to report to the police for proper investigation.
In criminal proceedings in Nigeria, the prosecution has the duty to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant is entitled to legal representation and to a fair hearing.
During trial, the prosecution will be expected to call witnesses to establish the allegation, while the defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses and present its own case.
The Lagos State Government has continued to emphasise the protection of children and the need for strict enforcement of laws against child stealing, child trafficking and other offences against children.
Child rights advocates have also called for more public enlightenment on the dangers of child stealing and the need for communities to work with security agencies to protect children.
The case has attracted attention in Abule Egba, with residents expressing concern and calling for a thorough investigation to establish the facts.
The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
