Domestic Violence: To What Extent Is A Child Protected ?!

Recently, a popular Nigerian Actor, Cossy Ojiakor, accused her neighbour, identified as Mr. Martin Obinka Maruche of beating his wife on the streets of Badore, Ajah area of the Lekki- Peninsula axis of Lagos state, Nigeria.

Photo credit: Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter

According to Ms. Cossy Ojiakor, "...Tonight, another episode...he was beating her on the streets,  his daughter begged him to stop and he hit the little girl with his belt...I stupidly went to intervene and he used the belt to wipe me so hard...". 

The case according to Cossy Ojiakor was reported to Ilaso Police station, but Mr. Maruche failed to honour Police invitation.

When Roving Informant contacted Mr. Maruche on phone, to confirm the accusation, he replied  "Yes this is Mr. Obinka Maruche, the one and only". 

After establishing that we were speaking with the accused, our reporter asked the reason he beats his wife and flogged his child. Mr. Maruche replied "If you want to know the truth about this case, come to the station tomorrow (June 27th, 2018) I will be speaking on the case tomorrow". 

What "station" are we expected to "come to"? our reporter asked,  but Mr. Maruche declined giving further details. 

Actress Cossy Ojiakor further on her Instagram handle, revealed that she has "been getting verbal threats from his (Mr.  Maruche) friends and family."

Based on the allegation that a minor, (a child) was 'flogged' by the father with a leather belt, simply because she wanted to safe her mother from further beating; Roving Informant calls on the Nigerian Police, Child Protection Agencies, well meaning individuals and organisations to intervene in cases such as this, to ensure that children are protected in domestic-violence situations.