A Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has remanded a couple over allegations of child abuse and attempted murder of an 11-year-old boy.

The picture of the victim whose body was full of wounds has been trending on social media for more than a week.

The inhuman treatment of the minor attracted the attention of Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra governor, among other persons.

The defendants, Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and his wife, Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder.

The police prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences in the Isiowulu community in the Awada area of the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.

The prosecutor said the defendants conspired and attempted to murder an 11-year-old boy who had been placed in their care.

She said the offences contravened Sections 495(a) and 275(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, U.E. Onochie, ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre.

The judge adjourned the matter until July 22 for a hearing. 

(NAN)