Adachukwu Okafor, a female lawyer, has been remanded in the custody of the State Criminal and Investigative Department (SCID) by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, seated at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Awka, Anambra state.
Okafor faces allegations of inflicting physical injuries on her 11-year-old housekeeper in Onitsha.
Residing on Chris Igwilo Street Akapka GRA, 3-3 Onitsha, Okafor was arraigned on two counts of willful infliction of physical injuries on a minor (11-year-old), a charge punishable under Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State, Nigeria 2017.
Despite pleading not guilty, Okafor’s bail application, presented by her counsel Chijioke Nwankwo, was denied. The case is adjourned to February 28, 2024, for a ruling.
Chijioke Nwankwo, the defendant’s counsel, criticized the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare for what he labeled as “trial by ordeal,” asserting it was not in the case’s best interest.
The victim, discharged from the hospital, also appeared in court.
Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed confidence in the court’s ability to administer justice and announced plans for a media campaign to raise awareness about child abuse, urging the public to reject social vices and become agents of positive change.
