Lawyer Reprimanded Over Alleged Brutalization Of 11-Year-Old Housemaid

The Children, S*xual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has detained Adachukwu Okafor, a lawyer, in the custody of the State Criminal and Investigative Department for allegedly brutalising her 11-year-old housekeeper.

Mrs Okafor, of Chris Igwilo Street Akakpa GRA, 3-3 Onitsha, Anambra State, was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, on a two-count charge, primarily, 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.

The lawyer allegedly used knives and other dangerous things to injure the minor.

The accused surrendered herself to police after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, slapped a N2 million bounty on her.

The court was satisfied with how the charge was read and interpreted to the defendant.

She pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

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The defendant council, Chijioke Nwankwo, made a bail motion, which the court dismissed.

The case was postponed until February 28th, 2024 for a ruling.

When questioned why it took his client so long to report to the police, the defendant council’s Barr Chijioke Nwankwo told journalists following the Court session that he was unaware of any bounty set on Adachukwu.

He claimed that he was only contacted for the task and that he promptly reported the defendant to the police.

Nwankwo, on the other hand, complained bitterly that the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare is already conducting trials by ordeal, which he believes is detrimental to the case.

The victim had been discharged from the hospital and appeared in court.

In response to the development, Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, remarked that she trusts the court to do justice in the situation.

Obinabo disclosed that her Ministry would shortly initiate a media sensitization campaign, wherein ndị Anambra would receive comprehensive education and awareness of the perils and adverse outcomes of child abuse.

The Commissioner called on everyone to be an agent of constructive social change and asked the public to abstain from all sorts of social vices, particularly those that risk the life of a child.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli