A woman, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, has been remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre after allegedly using a pestle to break the bone of her three-year-old stepson.
The incident, which occurred on October 23, 2024, at Ike Ani Estate in Emene, Enugu, led to the child, Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, suffering serious bodily harm, including a dislocated leg.
The police charged Mrs. Ogbogu with committing grievous harm, a serious offense that could lead to life imprisonment if convicted.
The charge, with the number CME/646C/2024, states: “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 leg and caused him serious bodily harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 288 (a) of the Enugu State Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II. Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”
Mrs. Ogbogu’s bail application was rejected by Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh, who ordered her remand at the correctional facility.
The case was adjourned until November 26, 2024, when the court expects a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Enugu.
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, emphasized that the government is determined to pursue justice in this case.
She stated that the state government had acted swiftly in arresting the accused and bringing her to court.
“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 State, then you are in for trouble. Period,” Enih said.
