The Nima Division of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) has rearrested Ayisha Zakaria for allegedly burning the private part of a seven-year-old girl.
The 24-year-old suspect was rearrested on Wednesday, less than 48 hours after her release from custody following the withdrawal of the case by the complainant, Sarki Musah Umar.
The rearrest follows public outrage on social media after footage of the alleged abuse surfaced online.
Eyewitnesses said Zakaria, a resident of Mamobi in the Ayawaso North Municipality, allegedly heated a metal object, suspected to be a spoon, and applied it to the victim’s private part as punishment for bedwetting.
The injuries drew the attention of school authorities, who initiated a follow-up on the matter, which was initially kept discreet.
The case was first reported to DOVVSU last Thursday, leading to Zakaria’s initial arrest.
However, the complainant, a youth leader, withdrew the case on Monday, citing pressure from the victim’s family and community leaders.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Umar said, “Financially I was incapable because I was the only one spending money from going to the hospital to the police station.”
Imam Abdul Razak Iddriss of the Hamburg Mosque in Mamobi, during a lecture on Monday, called for national intervention and justice for the child.
He criticised the police and community leaders for failing to protect the victim, stating, “No matter how poor you are, it is better to have your children closer to you and cater for them. Only a few children who grow up with guardians excel in life.”
The Imam disclosed that GH¢2,000 had been raised to support the victim’s medical care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
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