The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged indecent assault of an eight-month-old baby at a private school in the state.

It was learnt that the incident occurred on Wednesday, March 18, at the school where the baby’s mother, Gloria Umukoro, is employed.

According to Umukoro, the school had closed early for revision week, and she stayed behind to complete examination questions.

She said the baby, who was dressed in a diaper, was initially in the care of the school principal. About 30 minutes later, the school director, Mr Korede Afuye, returned the child to the principal.

In my presence, the principal placed her on the floor because she was restless and did not want to stay on her lap. She urinated there, after which the principal left for the office. My colleague also left, leaving me alone with the baby,” Umukoro said.

She said she initially noticed wetness around the baby’s leg and assumed it was urine.

“About 10 minutes later, I picked her up and was shocked to see she was bleeding,” she added.

Umukoro said a colleague, who is a nurse, examined the baby and confirmed that the bleeding was from the anus, with visible bruises around the area.

The mother alleged that the school director was the last person to handle the child before the injuries were discovered.

“I asked who carried my baby last, and he was identified as the last person. I went to the office to confront him and demanded to know what happened. I could not understand how she became injured within such a short time,” she said.

She added that the school management urged her to remain calm, but she insisted on reporting the matter to the authorities.

“This is not something that can be resolved informally, considering my baby’s condition,” she said.

The case was subsequently reported to the police for investigation.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command said the matter had been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

The PPRO said, “A case of indecent assault involving an eight-month-old baby was reported on March 18. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, specifically the Gender Unit, for further investigation. The identity of the child is being protected.”

The police added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Text, excluding headline: The PUNCH)

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