By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

The Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court, Awka, on Thursday remanded a 59-year-old man, Joseph Chukwuka, for allegedly tying the hands and legs of a 12-year-old girl.

The defendant Is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawfully inflicting grievous harm on a minor.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 16, at Urumabiam, Egbema, in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

Okechukwu said the defendant and another person still at large wilfully tied the hands and legs of the girl, thereby inflicting injuries on her and committing an offence.

“The victim, an orphan, who lives with her grandmother was accused of stealing and the grandmother called the defendant who is her in-law, to discipline the girl and make her confess.

“The defendant and one other person tied the hands and legs of the girl, and left her for three days in that condition until she was found and the matter reported.

“The offences are punishable under Sections 495 (a) and 290 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended,” she said.

The prosecutor prayed the court to remand the suspect at a Correctional facility as stipulated under Section 130(2) (a) (b) of the Administration Criminal Justice Law 2022.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs U.E. Onochie, directed that the defendant be remanded at the Awka Correctional facility.

Onochie adjourned the case until Aug. 5, for report of compliance. (NAN)