2 Nursing Mothers Remanded on Bail Over Alleged Assault Captured in Viral Video

Two nursing mothers have been arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court in Awka over allegations of assault captured in a viral video circulating on social media.

The defendants, Chidinma Aguguo and Jennifer Ikem, both residents of 24 Gabriel Street, Idabor, Umueri Community in Otuocha, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and assault.

They are accused of assaulting a girl with canes in a widely circulated video. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the alleged offence occurred on May 4 in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra.

She further alleged that the defendants, alongside others still at large, unlawfully assaulted one Udealor Onyinyechi, inflicting visible injuries on her with a cane.

According to the prosecution, the suspects were identified and arrested after the video of the incident went viral on social media.

The offences are said to contravene Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017, as well as Sections 258 and 495(a) of the Criminal Law of Anambra State, 1991 (as amended).

Defense counsel, Mr. S. O. Iwuoba, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the defendants are first-time offenders and nursing mothers with infants.

In her ruling, Chief Magistrate U. E. Onochie granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with one surety in like sum.

The court adjourned the matter until June 17 for hearing.