Court Orders Remand of Imo Woman Accused of Burning Maid’s Private Parts

Court Orders Remand of Imo Woman Accused of Burning Maid’s Private Parts.

A 38-year-old businesswoman, Mrs. Juliet Igwe, has been ordered to remain in prison after being charged with the attempted murder of her five-year-old housemaid, Onyinyechi.

The order was given by Chief Magistrate B. U. Adikibe of an Owerri Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday. Mrs. Igwe is accused of inflicting severe burns and injuries on the child, including using a candle flame on her private parts and pouring boiling water on her hands, causing the skin to peel off.

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The incident is said to have happened on November 25th. According to details presented in court, the little girl suffered serious physical harm and was then left without proper care for several days while in a critical condition.

The case came to light after members of a human rights group, the Stand For Humanity Foundation, found the child. The foundation reported that she was in a very bad state and helped to rescue her. They also supported the police in arresting Mrs. Igwe on December 4th.

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In court, police prosecutors brought a one-count charge of attempted murder against the businesswoman. They informed the magistrate that the offence carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment.

Because of the seriousness of the charge, Chief Magistrate Adikibe explained that her court does not have the power to hear such a case. She then ruled that the suspect should be held at the Owerri Correctional Centre.

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The magistrate also directed that all the papers concerning the case be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP will now review the evidence and give legal advice on how the prosecution should proceed, which will likely mean the case will be moved to a higher court.

The remand has sparked reactions locally, with many residents expressing shock at the nature of the allegations against Mrs. Igwe. Child rights advocates are urging a thorough and speedy prosecution.

The police have confirmed the charge and the court proceedings. The condition of the five-year-old victim is being monitored, and she is now receiving care.