Court jails 36-year old mother for dumping day old baby in bush

A 36 year old mother, Bosede Oyetunde, has been convicted to one month in prison for allegedly dumping a day old baby inside the bush.

Mrs. Oyetunde in conjunction with one Opeyemi Isaac had conspired together to attempt in killing the little baby by wrapping it inside a nylon bag.

The police prosecutor, in Ojumu Olayemi, said the offence was committed at about 8:00 pm in Omotoso area of Ore along Ondo road in the Akure Magisterial District on July 4, 2017.

Mrs. Olayemi added that the offence contravenes sections 516, and 320(2) of the criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

He said the Police Division at Igbotako was alerted about the heinous crime perpetrated against humanity adding that investigation carried out led to the arrest of the two accused persons.

The police prosecutor who is also in charge of the Children Special Center, ‘A’ Division Akure, said the baby has been in the police station since it was discovered.

“Since the arrest of the two accused persons, the little baby (boy) has been with the police.

“The christening (name ceremony) of the child was even done at the police station because we were not willing to release him to his parents,” he added.

The Daily Times reported that the two accused persons pleaded guilty to the two count charge brought before the duo.

The main accused, Mrs. Oyetunde, said her action was prompted by the fear of how to take care of the baby.

“It was the devil that pushed me,” she added.

Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. A. Edwin in her ruling sentenced the accused person to one month imprisonment.

Edwin also ordered that she rendered two months community service in Igbotako police station.

She later instructed that the second accused person who was the mother of the baby should go for mental assessment as the court observed she was not normal mentally.

She, however, ordered the mother to be breastfeeding the baby in Ondo State Children Home.