Police in the United States have arrested a 36-year-old Nigerian woman, Gbemisola Akayinode, for the alleged murder of her nine-year-old daughter, Oluwasikemi Akayinode, who reportedly died after being left inside a hot car.
According to U.S. authorities, the tragic incident occurred last week when Akayinode allegedly left her daughter unattended in a vehicle for several hours under extreme heat conditions. The child was later found unresponsive and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators say the mother’s account of events was inconsistent with evidence gathered at the scene, prompting her arrest. Police confirmed that the temperature inside the vehicle had soared to dangerous levels, leading to the girl’s death from suspected heatstroke.
Following the incident, the District Attorney’s Office charged Akayinode with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and child endangerment. She is currently being held in custody pending arraignment, and further investigation is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials described the case as “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during high temperatures.
“This tragedy was preventable,” a police spokesperson said. “Even a few minutes in a hot car can turn deadly for a child.”
Neighbours and local community members expressed shock over the incident, describing Akayinode as a quiet woman who rarely interacted with others in the neighbourhood.
“It’s heartbreaking,” one resident told reporters. “We can’t imagine what that little girl went through.”
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Child protection advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of child safety laws in the U.S., warning parents about the risks of heat-related deaths.
According to the U.S. National Safety Council, an average of 37 children die each year from being left inside hot vehicles. Experts warn that temperatures inside cars can rise by more than 20 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows slightly open.
Police say additional charges could be filed depending on the results of the autopsy and ongoing investigations by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
The Nigerian community in the U.S. has also reacted with sadness, calling for calm and urging parents to remain vigilant about child safety.
As of press time, authorities confirmed that Akayinode remains in custody without bail, and her first court appearance is expected later this week.
The incident adds to a growing list of heat-related child deaths in the United States this year, reigniting public debate over the responsibilities of parents and caregivers in ensuring child safety.