Court Arraigns Woman Over Alleged Female Circumcision Attempt
Kehinde Adeleye
A 34-year-old woman, Janet Ojeka, has been arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over an alleged attempt to subject her 12-year-old daughter to female circumcision.
Ojeka was arraigned before Magistrate M.O. Tanimola following her arrest by operatives of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Outstation, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the police, the incident occurred on August 18, 2026, at about 9am at Guinness Street, off Pero Bus Stop, Agege, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that Ojeka attempted to take her daughter, identified as Fedora Francis, to her paternal home in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the purpose of having her circumcised.
The alleged plan was reportedly brought to the attention of the DSVA, which intervened and arrested the woman before the act could take place. She was subsequently handed over to the police for prosecution.
The police, through the Investigating Police Officer, Insp. Alli-Balogun J., charged Ojeka with one count under Section 21 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge alleged that she attempted to subject her 12-year-old daughter to female circumcision by intending to take her to Ibadan for the procedure.
When the charge was read to her in court, Ojeka pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, described the matter as a case of attempted child circumcision and asked the court to adjourn the case for hearing. He also requested that the defendant be remanded pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Magistrate Tanimola, however, granted Ojeka bail with one surety. The surety was required to provide evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned for mention, while ASP Udeh Benedicta R., who endorsed the charge sheet, is expected to present the case file.
Why the Case Matters
Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation or cutting, has been associated with traditional beliefs in some communities that it can control a girl’s sexuality, preserve chastity or discourage promiscuity.
Health authorities, however, say female genital mutilation has no health benefits and can result in complications including severe bleeding, infection, psychological trauma and problems during childbirth.
The Lagos case highlights the state’s legal position against the practice and the role of agencies such as the DSVA in intervening where children are considered at risk.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty, meaning the allegation remains to be determined by the court.
