- Minister of Women Affairs declares female lawyer wanted, offers N2 million bounty for her arrest over child abuse allegations
- Lawyer accused of subjecting 11-year-old house girl to severe abuse in Anambra; Minister emphasizes need for swift justice
Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, Minister of Women Affairs, has taken decisive action by declaring a female lawyer wanted and offering a N2 million bounty for her arrest following allegations of child abuse in Anambra state.
The lawyer in question, Adachukwu Cukelu-Okafor, is accused of subjecting an 11-year-old house girl, whose identity remains undisclosed, to severe abuse using implements such as a broken bottle, knife, and electric iron. The incident occurred in Akpaka, Onitsha, within the Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Reportedly, Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor accused the young survivor of inappropriate conduct towards her daughter, leading to the brutal assault.
In response to the distressing situation, Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare in Anambra, facilitated the rescue of the survivor from the alleged perpetrator, as stated by the commissioner’s media aide, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu.
Addressing the media in Abuja, the Minister expressed her dismay over the lack of resolution in the case, emphasizing the gravity of the abuse inflicted upon the child.
“I chose to remain silent, hoping for a resolution. However, as the issue remains unresolved, I feel compelled to intervene,” stated the Minister.
Highlighting the Ministry’s mandate to advocate for women and children’s rights, Kennedy-Ohaneye underscored the importance of taking action against perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
“I am declaring Adachukwu Cukelu-Okafor wanted. With a President who listens, now is the time to stand up and defend your rights,” she asserted.
Appealing to Nigerians for assistance, the Minister urged citizens to locate and report the whereabouts of Mrs. Cukelu-Okafor to law enforcement agencies. To expedite her apprehension, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has offered a substantial reward of N2 million to anyone who aids in her arrest.
Kennedy-Ohaneye stressed the situation’s urgency, highlighting the victim’s suffering and the need for swift justice.
“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is offering N2 million to anybody that will lay hands on this woman and hand her over to the police. We need this woman urgently because this girl is in pain. It could be your child tomorrow. It could be anybody’s relation,” she concluded.