N2 Million Bounty Placed By Federal Government On Wanted Lawyer Accused Of Abusing 11-Year-Old Maid
The Federal Government has announced a N2 million bounty on Anambra-based lawyer, Adachukwu Cukelu-Okafor, who is currently wanted for the alleged abuse of an 11-year-old girl named Happiness.
Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor, who is reportedly evading authorities, stands accused of subjecting the young girl, said to be her niece, to severe abuse, which included the use of a broken bottle, knife, and an electric iron. The distressing incident, which unfolded in Akpaka, Onitsha, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, sparked widespread outrage after a video of Happiness receiving medical treatment at a hospital went viral.
According to reports, the abuse occurred after Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor accused Happiness of inappropriate behavior towards her own daughter.
Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, recently affirmed the commencement of legal proceedings against Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to prosecuting cases of abuse against minors and vulnerable individuals.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, urged the public to assist in locating Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor and emphasized the urgency of the situation, as Happiness continues to suffer from her injuries.
In a bid to expedite Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor’s apprehension, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has offered a reward of N2 million to anyone providing information leading to her arrest. The minister stressed the importance of ensuring every Nigerian child grows up in a safe environment, underscoring the gravity of Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor’s alleged actions.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye announced plans for a government directive regarding the employment of housemaids under the age of 18, aiming to curb instances of child abuse and exploitation. She emphasized the need for citizen cooperation in reporting such cases, affirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and children nationwide.
