By Omowumi Omotosho
A housewife, Mrs. Nneaka Anumudu, appeared before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, on Thursday, accused of subjecting her five-year-old foster daughter to horrifying abuse, including allegedly forcing the child to consume human excreta.
Mrs. Anumudu faces serious allegations of child abuse and inflicting grievous bodily harm without justification, offenses that contravene Sections 238 and 247 of the Penal Code.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Okokon Mbruk, informed the court that the case was originally reported by one Chukwuma Esther at the Mabushi Divisional Police Station before being escalated to the FCT Police Command for comprehensive investigation.
The court heard that the defendant, who is married to the child’s paternal uncle, took the child into her care after the passing of the girl’s biological mother. Instead of offering a nurturing environment, Anumudu allegedly subjected the minor to brutal treatment, including severe beatings, physical torture, and a disturbing act of feeding her human waste instead of food.
Mrs. Anumudu entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Her legal representative, Mr. Peter Okechukwu, requested bail under Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), arguing for lenient conditions.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Hafsat Amiru granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000, requiring two sureties. One of the sureties must be a government employee and must submit proof of employment, promotion letter, utility bill, and valid identification. The case was adjourned until September 10 for further proceedings.
