An Imo State Chief Magistrate Court has jailed one Rose Okon for assaulting her 14-year-old niece, Favour Emmanuel.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate C. J. Nkwoada, handed down the six months sentence on Friday at the Ngor Okpala Magisterial District after Okon pleaded guilty to the charge against her. She was given an option of N50,000 fine.
The convict was arrested on September 19 for pouring hot water on her niece’s head and body at Umuneke, Ngor Okpala, leaving her with grievous injuries.
The prosecution, led by Sampson Obodo, tendered photographic evidence of the victim’s injuries and statements from both the accused and the victim, including a petition by Stand For Humanity Foundation which triggered the arrest.
When asked to allocute, Okon begged for mercy, with her counsel, Innocent Onyekwere, asking the court to temper justice with mercy.
President of the Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, who witnessed the proceeding, said the conviction was secured to prove that child abuse is a punishable offence and to deter others from such acts.
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