Things we are accustomed to regard as myth or fairy story are very much present in people’s lives. Nice people behave like wicked stepmothers. Every day. —Diana Wynne Jones
For allegedly fracturing her three-year-old stepson’s bone with a pestle, an Enugu State Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of one Mrs Ada Ogbogu in Enugu Correctional Centre.
While the accused person was being arraigned on Tuesday, the police told the court that she also poured hot water on the little boy’s nose, and mouth, an act to cause grievous harm contrary to law, an offence that attracts life imprisonment as punishment if convicted.
The charge marked CME/646C/2024, reads, “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.”
Her bail application was rejected by Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh, who ordered her remand at the Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 26th November 2024 when the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Enugu, is expected.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, told newsmen that Mrs. Ogbogu’s arraignment was in line with the administration’s vow to follow the matter to a logical conclusion, insisting that no child should be dehumanised in Enugu State.
“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,” she stated.
Vanguard
