Imo Court Jails Woman Six Months for Abusing 14-Year-Old Niece
Rose Okon convicted after pleading guilty to assaulting minor with hot water
A Magistrate Court in Imo State has sentenced Rose Okon to six months in prison for assaulting and maltreating her 14-year-old niece, Favour Emmanuel.
The court, presided over by C.J. Nkwoada, however, gave the convict the option of paying a ₦50,000 fine in place of the prison term.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault
Okon was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of assault and pleaded guilty to the offence.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on September 19 at about 6 p.m. at Umuneke, Ngor Okpala, within the Ngor Okpala Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that Okon poured hot water on the teenager’s head and body, causing her grievous harm.
The offence was brought 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, prosecuting counsel Sampson Obodo presented photographs showing the injuries sustained by the teenager.
He also tendered statements made to the police by Okon and the victim, as well as a statement from a human rights organisation involved in the case.
Following the presentation of the evidence and Okon’s guilty plea, the court proceeded to sentence her.
Convict Appeals for Leniency
Before the sentence was pronounced, Okon appealed for mercy through her lawyer, Innocent Onyekwere, who urged the court to exercise leniency.
The court subsequently sentenced her to six months in prison, with an option of a ₦50,000 fine.
Human Rights Group Initiated Petition
The case reportedly followed a petition submitted by the Stand For Humanity Foundation, which called for action over the alleged abuse of the teenager.
The president of the organisation, Chidiebube Okeoma, led more than 20 members of the group to the court.
Okeoma said the organisation initiated the process leading to Okon’s arrest to draw attention to child abuse and the legal consequences of maltreating minors.
He said the conviction should reinforce awareness that child abuse is punishable under Nigerian law.
Okeoma added that the foundation would continue its advocacy and intervention efforts in cases involving the abuse of children.
He said the organisation regularly receives reports of child abuse and has conducted awareness campaigns to educate the public on the issue.
