A court in Anambra State, Nigeria has remanded a lawyer named Adachukwu Okafor for allegedly brutalized her 11-year-old housemaid, Happiness Nwafor.
The incident took place at Okafor’s residence, and she was subsequently arrested and charged with willfully inflicting physical injuries on the minor.
During the court proceedings, Okafor pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her defense lawyer, Chijioke Nwankwo, made a bail application on her behalf, which was denied by the court. The case has been adjourned to February 28th, 2024, for ruling.
After the court session, Nwankwo addressed journalists and claimed that he was unaware of the bounty placed on his client by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye. He also expressed concerns about the trial by ordeal being conducted by the state ministry of women and social welfare, stating that it is not in the best interest of the case.
The victim, Happiness Nwafor, has since been discharged from the hospital and made an appearance in court. The State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, expressed trust in the court to ensure justice in the matter. She also announced plans for a media sensitization program to educate the people of Anambra State about the dangers and consequences of child abuse.
The Commissioner called on the public to reject all forms of social vices, particularly those that endanger the lives of children, and encouraged everyone to be agents of positive social change.
