A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Imo State has sentenced Rose Okon to six months in prison for assaulting her 14-year-old niece, who was in her care.

Chief Magistrate C. J. Nkwoada handed down the sentence on Friday after Okon pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of assault.

The court, however, gave her an option of a N50,000 fine.

Teenager Sustained Injuries

According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on September 19, 2026, at Umuneke, Ngor Okpala, in the Ngor Okpala Magisterial District of Imo State.

The prosecution alleged that Okon assaulted the teenager by pouring hot water on her head and body, causing grievous harm.

She was charged under Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, as applicable in Imo State.

Prosecution Presents Evidence

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Sampson Obodo presented photographs showing the injuries sustained by the teenager.

The prosecution also tendered statements made to the police by both the accused and the victim.

A statement from the Stand For Humanity Foundation, which petitioned the police over the incident, was also admitted as evidence.

Convict Appeals for Mercy

After Okon was convicted, the court allowed her to make a plea in mitigation before sentencing.

Okon pleaded for mercy, while her lawyer, Innocent Onyekwere, urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

The court subsequently imposed the six-month sentence, with the option of paying the N50,000 fine.

Rights Group Welcomes Conviction

Okon was arrested following a petition by the Stand For Humanity Foundation.

Speaking after the proceedings, the foundation’s president, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the organisation initiated the petition and arrest process to highlight the legal consequences of child abuse.

Okeoma, who is also a journalist and child-rights advocate, said the conviction should remind the public that child abuse is punishable under Nigerian law.

He added that the foundation would continue its advocacy against child abuse in Imo State, noting that it had organised awareness campaigns in Owerri on July 4 and September 12, 2026, with participation from security agencies, legal and medical professionals, actors and rights activists.