CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
For thousands of children in Lagos, hawking in traffic and markets is survival. It is also where vulnerability meets danger.
The harsh reality came to the fore again last week when Ndubisi John, 35, was arraigned over the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl who was selling groundnuts inside Ladipo Market, Mushin.
The case has reignited debate on child hawking and the rising cases of abuse linked to it, with child rights groups and community leaders calling for urgent action.
Ndubisi John was on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, at the Ogba Magistrate Court, Ikeja on a one-count charge of defilement, contrary to and punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
The prosecutor, ASP Lucky Ihehie, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on the 10th day of July 2026 at Shop 4, Block 100, Promiseland, Ladipo Market, Mushin*, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, Lagos recorded 4,946 cases of sexual and gender-based violence in 2023, with minors making up over 60% of survivors.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey shows that 39.8% of children aged 5-17 in South West Nigeria are engaged in child labour, with street hawking and market trading among the top 3 forms.
Child rights lawyer, Barr. Olasupo Ojo of the Child Protection Network, CPN Lagos, said:
“Hawking puts children on the street for 8-10 hours with no adult supervision. Predators target them because they are alone, tired, and need money. Markets like Ladipo, Oshodi, and Mile 12 keep appearing in our case files.”
In 2024 alone, DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed that over 200 cases reported to DSVA involved minors who were hawking or working as shop assistants when the abuse occurred.
For many families, it’s economic.
“School fees, rent, food… if my child does not help me sell after school, we will struggle,” said *Mama Chika*, a spare parts trader in Ladipo who asked that her real name be withheld to protect her family.
Community leaders say hawking teaches business skills early. Chief Uche Samuel, a stakeholder in Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, noted: “The hustle is in us. But we must protect the children while they hustle. This incident does not represent who we are.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the Command is monitoring the case. She holds a Certificate in Child Protection from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
The Command has warned repeatedly that “children hawking in markets and on highways are at risk of abduction, trafficking, and sexual abuse”.
SP Adebisi, who also holds certifications in Human Rights and Conflict Management, assumed duty following the promotion of her predecessor to Force PRO. She assured that Police would work with market leaders to strengthen safety.
The “ugly” is the aftermath. Victims face trauma, school dropout, and stigma. Families are sometimes pressured to settle quietly for fear of shame.
Ugoeze Dr. Vivian Obi, Ada Anioma and Nwanyichinawaraoji Ndigbo Lagos, said:
“The good is that these children are hardworking. The bad is that we expose them. The ugly is when we fail to protect them. Lagos must do better. Anioma leaders in diaspora fully support prosecution and protection for this girl and every child in our markets.”
Child rights advocates are calling for:
1. Market Safeguards: Ladipo Market Traders Association and Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs to create monitored “child-safe zones” for minors who must hawk after school hours.
2. Economic Support: Cash transfer and school support programmes through Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development led by Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende.
3. Swift Justice: Diligent prosecution under the Lagos Child Rights Law 2015 to serve as deterrent.
As the case proceeds at Ogba Court, the 13-year-old’s story is a reminder: behind every tray of groundnuts in Lagos is a child who deserves both the opportunity to survive and the right to be safe.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, contact Lagos DSVA: 08000 333 333 or NAPTIP: 627. All reports are confidential.
