Couple allegedly nailed, burnt 10 year old maid with pressing iron

The wicked actions of a couple in nailing their 10 year old maid and using hot pressing iron on her private part, as punishment meted out to the innocent girl has landed them in trouble water in Enugu, the State Capital

Penpushing reports that, the couple Jude and Ifeoma Ozougwu allegedly committed the offence between January and July at Number 3 Akonameze Street, Thinkers Corner, Enugu, but subsequently arrested and arraigned in court

The police charged the Ozougwus with unlawful attempt to kill, unlawfully intent to harm and engaging a little girl in hazardous, injurious and exploitative work against her physical and socio-psychological development.

Penpushing further reports that, earlier, the prosecutor, Paschal Nwachukwu, said that the court had no jurisdiction on the matter going by the gravity of the offences, especially count one and count three of the offence.

The prosecutor  said that going by the lack of jurisdiction of the magistrate court to entertain the matter, the issue of bail remained premature, uncalled for and against the dictates of the law, stressing, ’the evidence of this matter is grievous and weighty.

“How can one explain nailing a child as was done to Jesus Christ, using hot pressing iron, sharp and dangerous objects on her even to her private part,’’ Nwachukwu emphasised,

Penpushing also reports that, the defence counsel of the Ozougwus, Emeka Orji, however, prayed the court to discountenance the various public sentiments on the matter and grant bail to his clients.

The defence counsel noted that the offence was bailable and the court should use its discretion to grant the Ozougwus bail, adding, “this couple run a responsible family and I believe if they are granted bail; they will attend to the court processes religiously,’’

Penpushing reports that, the  Chief Magistrate, Joseph Agu, in his ruling refused to admit the defendants to bail, stating that,“in exercise of my discretion, the offence is grievous going by count one and count three of the charges; even as the girl is still hospitalised as well as the overwhelming public outcry; I reject the application for bail.

“I hereby remand the couple in Nsukka correctional facility pending further advice by the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The matter is adjourned until August 13 after hearing from the DPP,’’ the judge ruled.