A 39-year-old businesswoman, Adebisi Oladoke, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police for allegedly torturing her nine-year-old housemaid, Rukiba, with a hot knife.

The incident occurred at Oladoke’s residence on 2, Adetoye Street, Surulere, Lagos, after the child confessed to stealing N1,700 and returned the money. According to police reports, Oladoke, accusing the girl of being a habitual thief, allegedly heated a knife on a stove and used it to inflict injuries on the child’s body, including sensitive areas, in an attempt to force further confessions.

The child’s distress led to a call for help from neighbors, who immediately alerted the Divisional Police Officer of Ebute-Ero Division, CSP Rotimi Agunloye. Police officers quickly intervened, rescuing the child and arresting Oladoke.

Oladoke was charged before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos Island with one count of causing bodily harm. Prosecuting counsel Ishola Samuel argued that Oladoke took the law into her own hands, causing grievous harm to the child despite the money being returned.

The charge read, “That you, Adebisi Oladoke, did indecently deal with one Rukiba by using a hot knife to inflict injuries on her body, causing bodily harm.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate A.A. Paul granted Oladoke bail at N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, but she was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2025, for further proceedings.