A Chief Magistrate's Court in Imo State has granted Peace Jonah N500,000 bail after she was arraigned by the police for allegedly inflicting grievous harm on a 14-year-old girl, Chilaka Osinachi. Jonah was arraigned on a one-count charge of assault following her arrest by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri, in August. The arrest was made after a petition was written against her by a human rights organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation.
According to the police prosecutor, Sampson Obodo, Jonah allegedly poured boiling water on the minor's breasts and other parts of her body, causing her grievous harm. Obodo said the alleged act was punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as applicable in Imo State, and urged the court to remand the suspect in custody. Counsel to Jonah, Innocent Onyekwere, however, urged the court to grant his client bail.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate C.J. Nkwoada granted the suspect N500,000 bail, subject to conditions including the deposition of recent passport photographs and verification of the residential address of her surety. The charge sheet read that Jonah did unlawfully assault Chilaka Osinachi by pouring hot water on her belly and breasts, which caused her grievous harm. This act is punishable under section 355 of the criminal code Cap C38 laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo State of Nigeria.
The President of Stand For Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the organisation remained committed to fighting all forms of child abuse in the state. Okeoma, a journalist and child rights advocate, said the alleged use of boiling water on the girl constituted a criminal offence. He stressed that the granting of bail did not amount to an exoneration, assuring that the organisation would follow the proceedings to their logical conclusion.
Okeoma said the organisation became aware of the alleged abuse through its whistleblowing policy. He urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of child abuse to the organisation and relevant authorities. The aim was to ensure that the outcome of the case served as a deterrent to others who abuse children.
The case has sparked widespread concern about child abuse in Imo State. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and reporting of such cases. The Stand For Humanity Foundation's efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice have been commended by many.
The court has adjourned the case to a later date for further hearing. The suspect's surety has been required to verify her residential address and provide recent passport photographs. The case will continue to be monitored by the Stand For Humanity Foundation to ensure justice is served.
Key points
- The Imo State court granted Peace Jonah N500,000 bail for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old girl, Chilaka Osinachi.
- The alleged assault involved pouring boiling water on the minor's body, causing grievous harm.
- The Stand For Humanity Foundation will continue to follow the case to ensure justice is served and to deter future child abuse.
