@csrf
Balikis and Mazeedat

03.12.2024 Featured Strangers Left Nigerian Toddler to Drown in Garden Bin After Mum Went to UK Hospital

Published 3rd Dec, 2024

By Tola Owoyele

A court in East London, United Kingdom (UK), has conducted an inquest and heard that Mazeedat Adeoye, a two-year-old Nigerian baby, died after her mother left her with strangers.

According to the UK Sun, the toddler tragically drowned in a garden bin after Balikis Adeoye, her mother, was forced to leave her in the care of strangers on January 29, 2022.

The court also heard that the reason Balikis was forced to leave Mazeedat with the strangers was that she needed to urgently visit the deceased’s three-month-old brother who was undergoing heart surgery at a hospital at the time.

Balikis and Mazeedat
Balikis and Mazeedat

“I struggle to find the words to describe the heartbreak I feel over Mazeedat’s death,” said Balikis during the inquest.

READ ALSO: Hope Rises for Exploited Nigerian Care Workers in the UK

“She was the most beautiful and happy little girl who brought sunshine to my life.

“Before her birth, I only knew how to love myself. When she was born Mazeedat was the best thing that had happened in my life.

“I’ll always keep Mazeedat close to my heart and will forever cherish the short but precious years we had together.

“I just hope that by speaking out other families facing the same situation don’t have to experience the same pain I will always live with.”

Mazeeda’s body was found in a bin which contained nine centimetres of water.

Prior to Mazeedat’s death, Balikis, who had only just arrived in the UK in March 2021, said she had asked for foster placement help for her daughter from social services at Newham Council but no one offered any help.

She made the request at the time because she had no permanent place of residence.

In September 2021, her son, who is British, had been diagnosed with a hole in his heart.

READ ALSO: Welsh Clinic Boss Gets 18-Month Suspension for Racially Abusing Nigerian Sonographer

At the time Balikis was referred to social services, she was classed as an overstayer because she had separated from her UK partner. She also did not have any support network that could assist her financially.

The inquest later concluded that Mazeedat died due to “gross failure” caused by inadequate supervision in the garden, failures by those caring for Mazeedat and the council.

A post-mortem examination also found the toddler’s cause of death to be drowning.

It has now been concluded that the inquest report would be reviewed and worked on to prevent a future occurrence.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Published 3rd Dec, 2024

By Tola Owoyele

Advertisement

Our Stories

Power Outage in Presidential Villa as Vandals Steal Underground Cables

26 Years On, Kano Victims of Life-Altering Pfizer Drug Demand Justice

Royal Air Maroc Misplaced Nigerian’s Luggage 7 Months Ago. It Hasn’t Paid Her $1,713 Compensation

Nasarawa Police Silent on Investigation Into Reckless-Driving Policeman Who Killed Woman 3 Months Ago

Smiley Kids Montessori Claims 2-Year-Old Drowned in School but Parents Want the Truth

‘He Is a Criminal’ — Phoenix Payment Solution Maligns Lagos Customer Over N5,700 Loan

Governors Oppose Tax Cuts for Companies Despite Rising Operational Costs

Nigeria Gets Dishonourable Mention in Top Jailers of Journalists Report

1,182 Children Enrolled in School, 125,074 Meals Served — The Destiny Trust’s 2024 Impact Report

Industrial Court Faults Dee-Pee’s 5-Year Suspension of Staff Without Pay, Orders Full Compensation

Advertisement