The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has ordered the remand of lawyer Adachukwu Okafor in the custody of the State Criminal and Investigative Department. The charges against Mrs. Okafor, residing in Chris Igwilo Street Akakpa GRA, 3-3 Onitsha, involve the alleged brutalization of her 11-year-old house help, Happiness Nwafor. She was arraigned on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, on two counts, including willfully inflicting physical injuries, a violation of Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 2017.
It is alleged that Mrs. Okafor used knives and sharp objects to cause harm to the minor, prompting her to surrender to the police after a N2 million bounty was placed on her by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye. The defendant pleaded not guilty, and despite a bail application by her counsel, Chijioke Nwankwo, the court denied bail, adjourning the matter to February 28, 2024, for ruling.
After the court session, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo, the defendant’s counsel, responded to questions about the delayed police report, stating his unawareness of the bounty. He emphasized that he promptly took his client to the police upon being contacted for legal representation. Nwankwo expressed concern about the state ministry of women and social welfare’s perceived trial by ordeal, asserting that it is not in the best interest of the case.
The victim has been discharged from the hospital and appeared in court. In response, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Hon. Ify Obinabo, expressed trust in the court’s ability to deliver justice. She disclosed plans for a media sensitization program by her ministry, aiming to educate Anambra residents about the dangers of child abuse. Commissioner Obinabo called on the public to reject social vices endangering children’s lives and encouraged everyone to be agents of positive social change.
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