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An Owerri Chief Magistrate Court in Imo State on Thursday ordered the remand of 38-year-old businesswoman, Mrs. Juliet Igwe, at the Owerri Correctional Centre over allegations of grievous harm and attempted murder of her five-year-old maid, Onyinyechi.
According to reports, Mrs. Igwe allegedly used candlelight to burn the child’s private parts and inflicted multiple injuries on her body. She is also accused of pouring boiling water on the child, causing severe damage to her hands.
Mrs. Igwe was arraigned before Chief Magistrate B. U. Adikibe on a one-count charge of attempted murder filed by the Imo State Police Command, under the authority of the Commissioner of Police. The incident reportedly occurred on November 25, leaving the minor with serious injuries.
Police prosecutors informed the court that the alleged offence carries a potential life imprisonment sentence, prompting Magistrate Adikibe to rule that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case. Consequently, the magistrate ordered that Mrs. Igwe be remanded in prison custody and directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Court documents further revealed that the child was allegedly left in critical condition for several days before being rescued. Public attention was drawn to the case following the intervention of the human rights organization Stand For Humanity Foundation, which reportedly discovered the child and facilitated her rescue. The organization also assisted in Mrs. Igwe’s arrest on December 4.
Led by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, the foundation ensured Onyinyechi’s immediate admission to the Imo State University Medical Centre, Owerri, where she is currently receiving treatment. The group continues to advocate for the child’s recovery and for justice in the case.
Speaking briefly to journalists after the court session, Mrs. Igwe expressed remorse.
“I didn’t know that this child would be in such pain. I didn’t know. It is only God who will judge me. I don’t know what came over me. I have been crying and praying for God to heal Onyinyechi,” she said.
