A housewife, Mrs Nneaka Anumudu, was arraigned on Thursday before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse, Abuja, for allegedly feeding her five-year-old foster daughter human faeces.
Mrs Anumudu faces charges of child cruelty and voluntarily causing grievous hurt without provocation. She pleaded not guilty.
According to police prosecutor Okokon Mbruk, the incident was reported by the complainant, Chukwuma Esther, at the Mabushi Divisional Police Headquarters and later transferred to the FCT Police Command.
The prosecutor told the court that the child, whose mother had died, was placed in the care of the defendant, who is married to the girl’s uncle. He alleged that Mrs Anumudu beat, tortured, and forcefully fed the child human faeces instead of food.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 238 and 247 of the Penal Code.
Defence counsel Peter Okechukwu applied for bail under Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), requesting leniency.
Magistrate Hafsat Amiru granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant. The sureties are required to present valid identification, appointment and promotion letters, and a current utility bill.
The case was adjourned until September 10 for hearing.
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