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An Owerri Chief Magistrate Court in Imo State on Thursday ordered the remand of a 38-year-old businesswoman, Mrs. Juliet Igwe, at the Owerri Correctional Centre over allegations of grievous harm and attempted murder involving her five-year-old maid, Onyinyechi. To watch video, go to our Facebook page.
Mrs. Igwe was arraigned before Chief Magistrate B. U. Adikibe on a one-count charge of attempted murder brought against her by the Imo State Police Command, acting on the authority of the Commissioner of Police. The charge is linked to an incident alleged to have occurred on November 25, during which the minor reportedly suffered severe physical injuries.
According to reports presented in court, the suspect allegedly used candlelight to burn the child’s private parts and inflicted multiple injuries on her body. She was also accused of pouring boiling water on the child’s hands, causing the skin to peel off.
Police prosecutors told the court that the offence is punishable by life imprisonment under the law. Based on this, Chief Magistrate Adikibe ruled that the Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
The court subsequently ordered that Mrs. Igwe be remanded in prison custody and directed that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Further information presented to the court revealed that the child was allegedly left to wander in a critical condition for several days before help arrived.
The case gained public attention following the intervention of a human rights group, Stand For Humanity Foundation, which reportedly found the child in a dire state and facilitated her rescue. The organization also assisted law enforcement officers in the arrest of the suspect on December 4.
The matter has continued to spark public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for justice and stronger protection for children against abuse and exploitation.
