A woman in Enugu State, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, has been remanded in the Enugu Correctional Centre for allegedly inflicting bodily harm on her three-year-old stepson, Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu.
She was arrainged before Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh of the Enugu East Magisterial District by the police on one count charge bordering on intentional causing harm, which could lead to life imprisonment if convicted.
The charge marked CME/646C/2024, reads, “That you, Ada Ogbogu, female, on the 23rd of October 2024, at about 1430hours at Ike Ani Estate, Emene Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to maim or disfigure one Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, male, aged 3 years, pour hot water on his nose, mouth and hit him with a pestle, which dislocated his left legend caused him serious bodily and thereby committed an office punishable under Section 288 (a) of the Enugu Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II. Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”
The incident occurred on October 23, 2024, at Ike Ani Estate, Emene Enugu, where Mrs. Ogbogu allegedly poured hot water on the child’s nose and mouth and hit him with a pestle, dislocating his left leg.
The trial Chief Magistrate Edeh denied her bail application after the arraingement and adjourned the case until November 26, 2024, and ordered that the case file should be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution for report.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, emphasised that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is committed to protecting children, stating that anyone who mistreats or abuses children in Enugu will face consequences.
“Recall that the State Government had taken swift action on this matter by arresting the accused and today she is already in court. This decisive move demonstrates Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to protecting children. So, if you mistreat or abuse any child in Enugu, then you are in for trouble. Period,” she stated.
This stance is consistent with Governor Mbah’s efforts to uphold justice and protect vulnerable groups in the state.
