In Ado-Ekiti, a magistrate has sentenced 33-year-old Moradeke Adeoti to three years in prison with hard labour for forcing her 11-year-old cousin into street hawking, violating Ekiti’s Child Rights Law. The child suffered a motorcycle accident while hawking pepper and palm wine.
- Conviction: Adeoti found guilty of child abuse and exploitation.
- Victim’s ordeal: Forced to hawk while Adeoti’s children attended school.
- Community witness: Landlady reported repeated warnings were ignored.
- Accident aftermath: Girl hospitalised after road mishap sparked legal action.
- Legal outcome: Three-year sentence with hard labour or ₦20,000 fine alternative.
The case shines a light on a widespread but under-reported crisis—child street hawking as an informal survival tactic. While Adeoti claimed the intention was to raise school fees, her rejection of help and unequal treatment of the child exposed deeper neglect. The conviction sends a stern message, but also underscores the need for public awareness and community intervention.
As more states tighten enforcement of child rights laws, this ruling sets a precedent. Hawking may seem like a hustle, but when it involves a child, it's a crime with real consequences.
