Lawyer Pleads Not Guilty to Four-Count Child Abuse Charges for Allegedly Brutalizing 11-Year-Old Maid
A 35-year-old lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, has pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge at the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court in Awka. The charges were brought against her by the Anambra State Government.
Okafor is accused of willfully and unlawfully inflicting physical injuries on her 11-year-old house help, Happiness Nwafor, using a cane, hot electric iron, and a hot kitchen knife. This offence is contrary to section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Protection (VAPP) Law 2017.
She is also charged with causing grievous harm to Miss Nwafor, violating section 290 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Volume II Revised Laws of Anambra State, 1991.
Another charge against Okafor involves depriving Miss Nwafor of her liberty by detaining her in a toilet without food and water, while tying her legs, hands, and mouth with clothes. This is an offence under section 12(1) of the VAPP Law 2017.
The Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, Principal State Counsel Jerry Emebie, and Senior State Counsel Vivian Anyaene are representing the state. Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo is representing the defendant.
After Okafor pleaded not guilty to the charges, the Presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, adjourned the case to July 30 for hearing and ruling on the defendant’s bail application.
