A Magistrate Court in Imo State has sentenced Rose Okon to six months in prison for assaulting her 14-year-old niece by pouring hot water on the girl’s head and body.
Magistrate C.J. Nkwoada, sitting in the Ngor Okpala Magisterial District, also gave Okon the option of a N50,000 fine in place of the prison term. Okon pleaded guilty to a one count charge of assault occasioning grievous harm.
The incident occurred on 19 September at about 6 p.m. in Umuneke, Ngor Okpala. According to the charge sheet, Okon poured hot water on Favour Emmanuel, causing multiple injuries. The offence is punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code as applicable in Imo State.
Prosecuting counsel Sampson Obodo tendered photographs of the girl’s injuries along with statements from Okon, the victim and a human rights group. Defence counsel Innocent Onyekwere pleaded for leniency on behalf of his client.
Okon was arrested after a petition by the Stand For Humanity Foundation. The group’s president, Chidiebube Okeoma, led more than 20 members to the court. He said the organisation pushed for the arrest to show that child abuse is a criminal offence and that the conviction should serve as a deterrent. Okeoma added that the foundation would continue to pursue cases of child abuse and recalled that it regularly receives reports of such incidents and has conducted awareness campaigns on the issue.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
