An Enugu State Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Mrs. Ada Ogbogu at the Enugu Correctional Centre following accusations of grievous assault on her three-year-old stepson. The incident allegedly occurred on October 23, 2024, when Mrs. Ogbogu reportedly broke the child’s leg with a pestle and scalded his face with hot water, leading to severe bodily harm.

According to the court filing marked CME/646C/2024, the charge against Ogbogu states, “That you, Ada Ogbogu, female, on the 23rd of October 2024, at about 1430hours at Ike Ani Estate, Emene Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to maim or disfigure one Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, male, aged 3 years, pour hot water on his nose, mouth and hit him with a pestle, which dislocated his left leg and caused him serious bodily harm.” If convicted, the offense is punishable under Section 288 (a) of the Enugu State Criminal Code, carrying a potential life sentence.

Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh denied bail and ordered her remand, with the case adjourned to November 26, 2024, pending a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Enugu Ministry of Justice.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, expressed the government’s commitment to seeking justice, emphasizing that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration would not tolerate child abuse. “This decisive move demonstrates Governor Mbah’s commitment to protecting children. If you mistreat or abuse any child in Enugu State, you are in for trouble,” Enih stated.