The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has remanded a lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, in the custody of the State Criminal and Investigative Department for allegedly brutalizing her 11-year-old house help.
Mrs Okafor who resides at Chris Igwilo Street Akakpa GRA, 3-3 Onitsha, of Anambra State, was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, on a two count charge, mainly, willfully infliction of physical injuries on the body of one Happiness Nwafor, an offence punishable under Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 2017.
She allegedly used knives and other sharp objects to inflict injuries on the minor. The accused handed herself to the police after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, had placed a N2m bounty on her. The charge was read and interpreted to the defendant to the satisfaction of the court.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges. A bail application was made by the defendant council, Chijioke Nwankwo which was denied by the court. The matter was adjourned to 28th February 2024 for ruling.
Speaking to journalists after the Court’s session, the defendant council, Barr Chijioke Nwankwo when asked why it took his client time to report to the police, stated that he was not aware of any bounty placed on Adachukwu.
He added that he was only contacted for the job and he immediately took the defendant to the police.
Nwankwo, however, complained bitterly that the state ministry of women and social welfare is already doing trial by ordeal, which he noted is not in the best interest of the case.
The victim had since been discharged from the hospital and also made an appearance in court.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Hon. Ify Obinabo stated that she trusts the court to do justice to the matter.
Obinabo also revealed that her Ministry would soon embark on a media sensitization programme, during which ndị Anambra would be educated and fully enlightened about the dangers and negative consequences of child abuse.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to shun all forms of social vices in the society, especially, those vices that endanger the life of a child; and called on everyone to be agents of positive social change.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
