By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A 24-year-old unemployed woman, Ugochi Ugbawu, was arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, for allegedly abducting an 11-month-old boy.
Ugbawu, who hails from Ebonyi State, faces a three-count charge, including conspiracy, child stealing, and forceful separation of the baby from his family.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu, the defendant, along with others still at large, committed the crimes on January 16 in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.
The charges state that Ugbawu and her accomplices conspired to steal the baby and forcibly separated him from his family.
The offences allegedly violate Sections 495(a) and 321 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State, 1991, as amended, as well as Section 15(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2017.
Ugbawu pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Chief Magistrate Mrs. U.E. Onochie granted her bail in the amount of N3 million, with a surety in a like sum. The case has been adjourned until May 28 for further hearing
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