An Enugu State Magistrate Court has ordered the detention of a woman, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, in the Enugu Correctional Centre for allegedly assaulting her three-year-old stepson, Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, by breaking his leg with a pestle.
The incident has sparked outrage, with child rights advocates and government officials condemning the alleged act of violence.
Mrs. Ogbogu was arraigned on Tuesday, with police informing the court that the crime she is accused of carries a potential life sentence if convicted. The charge, registered as CME/646C/2024, specifies that on October 23, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., at Ike Ani Estate in Emene, Enugu,
Mrs. Ogbogu allegedly poured hot water on the child’s nose and mouth before striking him with a pestle, resulting in a dislocated left leg and other severe injuries.
The charge falls under Section 288(a) of the Enugu Criminal Code, which prescribes stringent penalties for acts intended to maim or disfigure.
Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh declined Mrs. Ogbogu’s bail application and ordered her remand at the Enugu Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings. The case has been adjourned until November 26, 2024, when the court expects a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to guide the next steps in the judicial process.
In reaction to the court proceedings, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, stressed that the arraignment aligns with the state administration’s commitment to ensuring justice for child abuse cases.
Mrs. Enih noted that swift action was taken to arrest Mrs. Ogbogu following the alleged abuse, underscoring the government’s zero tolerance for child maltreatment.
“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,” Enih told journalists.
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