P.M.EXPRESS reports that Barrister Igwe has been charged before the Yaba Magistrates Court for child trafficking and assault on the victim.
The lawyer, Mrs. Igwe, was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, P.E. Nwaka, on a count charge including child trafficking, cruel treatment, unlawful assault, and causing bodily harm.
Part of the charges stated: “That you, Barrister Igwe Ifeoma, did take away one Esther Onwa, 11, in order that she might be detained or treated as a slave or servitude under your custody on the said date, time, and location, in the aforementioned Magisterial District”
“That you, Barrister Igwe Ifeoma, did unlawfully assault one Esther Onwa, 11, on the aforementioned date, time, and location in the abovementioned Magisterial District by repeatedly causing various degrees of bodily harm to her ears, left eyes, back, neck, laps, buttocks, and other parts of her body.”
“That you, Barrister Igwe Ifeoma, injured 11-year-old Esther Onwa in her eyes with a wire that may have permanently blinded her on the mentioned date, time, and location in the aforementioned Magisterial District.”
The prosecutor, Olofin Williams, alleged that the offence the lawyer committed was contrary to sections 411, 276(a), 172, 173, 246, and 245 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of Nigeria, 2015.
She pleaded not guilty.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Nwaka, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and ordered her remand in custody pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned till 23rd September, 2022, for mention while the victim was taken to the Lagos State Social Welfare Office for protection and treatment.