Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Brutality of Minor: Court adjourns for adoption of written addresses

NAPTIP alleged that Mrs Nwatu stripped the girl naked, tied her hands and legs, and flogged her with an electric wire.

• February 29, 2024
Gavel
Gavel used to illustrate the story

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday adjourned until April for adoption of final written addresses in a case of alleged cruelty to a minor filed against a housewife, Esther Nwatu.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons accused Mrs Nwatu of beating her underage domestic worker with a cable wire and inflicting injury on her.

NAPTIP alleged in its submission before the court that on or about July 7, 2016, a-14-year-old girl was beaten and injured by her “madam,” identified as Nwatu in Orozo, Abuja.

It further alleged that Mrs Nwatu stripped the girl naked, tied her hands and legs, and flogged her with an electric wire.

The prosecution said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 2(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defendant earlier closed her case and the court fixed today for the adoption of final written addresses by counsel in the matter.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant counsel Pius Ezema informed the court of their pending motion.

The motion according to the counsel is to regularise their motion for extension of time.

The prosecution counsel, Mrs Comfort Ajene also informed the court of motion of theirs to regularise theirs too.

Justice Peter Kekemeke therefore adjourned until April 30 for parties to adopt their final written addresses.

(NAN)

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