Picture: The victim, Chizitere
By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Anambra State Government has arraigned a couple accused of inflicting severe bodily injuries on an 11-year-old boy living with them as a house help by burning him with heated plastics.
The prosecution, personally led by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse and domestic violence.
The victim, identified as Chizitere, reportedly suffered extensive open wounds after his guardians allegedly tortured him with heated plastics several months ago. Despite his injuries, the boy was allegedly left without proper care and forced to sleep on the bare floor with his wounds untreated.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage and prompted government intervention. Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, subsequently took responsibility for the child’s welfare and personally ensured that he received hospital treatment and recovered.
Following the couple’s arraignment, the defence applied for a plea bargain. The state government is expected to review the request in light of the severity of the alleged abuse and the charges against the defendants.
The prosecution marks another step in the Anambra State Government’s efforts to protect vulnerable children and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable.
Tags: Anambra State #Child Protection #Justice
