Two nursing mothers, Chidinma Aguguo and Jennifer Ikem, were charged in the Children Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court in Awka on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a girl, as seen in a viral video circulating online.
The defendants, both residents of 24, Gabriel Street, Idabor, Umueri Community in Otuocha, stand trial on a three-count charge related to conspiracy and assault. The charges stem from a May 4 incident in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, where they allegedly assaulted one Udealor Onyinyechi with canes, causing visible injuries. The incident was captured in a video that quickly went viral on social media.
Both Aguguo and Ikem pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu, informed the court that the assault occurred in the presence of others who remain at large, and the defendants were later arrested after the video gained widespread attention.
The charges against the defendants violate Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017, and Sections 258 and 495(a) of the Criminal Law of Anambra State, 1991 (as amended).
The defence counsel, Mr. S.O. Iwuoba, requested bail for the defendants, arguing that they were first-time offenders and nursing mothers with infants. In response, Chief Magistrate Mrs. U.E. Onochie granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
The case has been adjourned until June 17, 2026, for further hearing.
