Woman Remanded for Breaking Stepson’s Leg

A magistrate court in Enugu has ordered the remand of Mrs. Ada Ogbogu in the Enugu Correctional Centre following allegations of severe assault against her three-year-old stepson. Mrs. Ogbogu is accused of breaking the child’s leg with a pestle and pouring hot water on his face, actions that could carry a life sentence if she is convicted.

The police presented the charges under case number CME/646C/2024, detailing that on October 23, 2024, at Ike Ani Estate in Emene, Enugu, Mrs. Ogbogu allegedly injured the child, identified as Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, with intent to cause harm or disfigurement, in violation of Section 288(a) of the Enugu Criminal Code.

Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh denied her bail and ordered her continued detention, setting the next court date for November 26, 2024, pending a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice.

Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, addressed the case, emphasizing the state’s commitment to child protection. “This swift action and arraignment underline the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to child abuse,” she said. “Governor Peter Mbah’s administration will ensure that justice is served, and any form of child mistreatment in Enugu will face severe consequences.”