Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Libyan law enforcement officials have arrested a Nigerian woman and her Ghanaian husband in Tripoli for alleged torture and starvation that reportedly led to the death of an orphaned child under their care. The arrests were made on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as investigations into the tragic case continue.
According to multiple reports, the couple is accused of subjecting the child to prolonged and severe maltreatment, including physical abuse and deprivation of food, ultimately resulting in the child’s death. Details from security sources indicate that the couple’s actions have drawn serious scrutiny from Libyan authorities, who are probing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities allege the boy’s biological mother died approximately two years ago in Libya under circumstances that remain unclear, leaving the child in the care of the accused couple. Since then, the child had reportedly been living with them until the fatal incident came to light.
Local reporting on social media and by activists has expressed shock and outrage over the case, with commenters identifying the suspects as a Nigerian woman and a Ghanaian man. A prominent anti-trafficking campaigner described the incident as deeply upsetting and welcomed the Libyan government’s action in arresting the couple.
At the time of reporting, Libyan authorities have not released full details of the charges the couple will face, and investigations are ongoing. Law enforcement officials have not publicly identified the suspects by name nor outlined the next steps in the legal process.
The case highlights broader concerns about the safety of vulnerable children in Libya, particularly orphans and migrants, amid long-standing reports of human rights violations in detention centres and migrant communities throughout the country. Previous international monitoring has documented cases of abuse, torture, starvation and neglect affecting migrants and detainees, including children, underscoring systemic challenges in child protection and the rights of non-citizens.
Libya has been a major transit and destination point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe, and it has faced ongoing criticism over conditions within detention centres and the treatment of vulnerable populations. Reports by human rights organisations have highlighted incidents of violence, torture and death in detention facilities, particularly affecting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities in Libya are expected to clarify the charges and evidence against the Nigerian and Ghanaian suspects. The international community and rights groups may also monitor the case closely, given its implications for child welfare and migrant protection in the region.
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