Two Men to Spend 15 Years in Prison Over Death of Minor

In a chilling reminder of the dangers of extreme “discipline” and domestic abuse, an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has finally shut the prison doors on two men responsible for a tragedy that shook the Military Estate in Eleko.

Edidiong Edem, a 22-year-old painter, and Alex Effiong-Etim, a 21-year-old mechanic, have each been handed a 15-year jail sentence for the brutal flogging that led to the death of a 12-year-old housemaid.

The story, which began in January 2022, is a grim tale of neglect and violence. The court heard how the two men descended on the young girl, using a broom to “discipline” her. But this was no ordinary scolding. They targeted her legs with such ferocity that the skin was broken and left raw.

In a heartbreaking twist of fate, it wasn’t just the physical blows that killed her. The prosecution revealed a horrifying detail: the wounds were left to fester until they became infected with tetanus. The young girl, who should have been in school, instead spent her final moments battling a preventable, agonizing infection caused by the very people meant to supervise her.

For four years, the duo initially maintained their innocence, pleading “not guilty” when they were first arraigned in February 2022. However, as the evidence of their “reckless” assault became undeniable, they opted for a plea bargain.

The charge was amended to involuntary manslaughter, leading Justice Abiola Soladoye to deliver the heavy 15-year custodial sentence on Thursday. The judge ruled that their time behind bars starts from the very first day they were remanded, ensuring they pay a decade and a half for the life they cut shortIn a chilling reminder of the dangers of extreme “discipline” and domestic abuse, an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has finally shut the prison doors on two men responsible for a tragedy that shook the Military Estate in Eleko.

Edidiong Edem, a 22-year-old painter, and Alex Effiong-Etim, a 21-year-old mechanic, have each been handed a 15-year jail sentence for the brutal flogging that led to the death of a 12-year-old housemaid.

The story, which began in January 2022, is a grim tale of neglect and violence. The court heard how the two men descended on the young girl, using a broom to “discipline” her. But this was no ordinary scolding. They targeted her legs with such ferocity that the skin was broken and left raw.

In a heartbreaking twist of fate, it wasn’t just the physical blows that killed her. The prosecution revealed a horrifying detail: the wounds were left to fester until they became infected with tetanus. The young girl, who should have been in school, instead spent her final moments battling a preventable, agonizing infection caused by the very people meant to supervise her.

For four years, the duo initially maintained their innocence, pleading “not guilty” when they were first arraigned in February 2022. However, as the evidence of their “reckless” assault became undeniable, they opted for a plea bargain.

The charge was amended to involuntary manslaughter, leading Justice Abiola Soladoye to deliver the heavy 15-year custodial sentence on Thursday. The judge ruled that their time behind bars starts from the very first day they were remanded, ensuring they pay a decade and a half for the life they cut short.