Arrested Lawyer Faces Attempted Murder and Child Abuse Charges
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has paraded Mrs. Adachukwu Okafor, an Anambra-based lawyer, who is under investigation for the alleged assault of her 10-year-old househelp. Okafor presented herself at the police station after being declared wanted, with a N2 million bounty placed on her, for reportedly using a red-hot knife, an electric pressing iron, and other weapons to brutalize the underage househelp.
Police Spokesperson Addresses Media, Cites Attempted Murder and Child Abuse
ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), addressed the media at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja on Friday, categorizing the case as attempted murder and child abuse. Represented by CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, National Coordinator of the Police Campaign against Cultism, and other vices, Adejobi provided details of the horrifying incident.
Alleged Incident and Timeline Revealed
According to Adejobi, the househelp had worked in the suspect’s house for two weeks before the incident unfolded. Okafor accused the young girl of inappropriate behavior towards her six-year-old son, leading to a violent reaction. The lawyer allegedly tied the child’s hands, mouth, and proceeded to physically assault her, including using a hot knife and an electric iron on various parts of her body. The househelp was then locked in a toilet without food from the afternoon of the incident until the evening of the following day.
Public Outcry and Police Intervention
The shocking incident came to light when the aunt of the househelp raised an alarm upon seeing the severe injuries inflicted by Okafor. Passersby recorded the distressing scene, which prompted police and the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Anambra State to intervene.
Commitment to Justice and Warning Against Child Labor
The FPRO reiterated the commitment of the NPF to ensuring the prosecution of the case and justice for the traumatized househelp. The Inspector General of Police (I-G) has assured Nigerians of a diligent prosecution, vowing not to sweep any aspect of the incident under the carpet. The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, urged the public to speak out against violence, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring justice for victims and eradicating child labor.
Denial and Defence by the Suspect
In response to the allegations, Okafor, a mother of four, denied inflicting injuries on her househelp. She claimed that the injuries occurred when the child accidentally sat on a burning gas cylinder while attempting to escape a beating. Okafor refuted the use of an iron or knife in the assault.
The case is now under investigation, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives of the events that unfolded