A 24-year-old Woman Faces Serious Charges Over Alleged Child Stealing Incident in Anambra

 

In a disturbing case that has rocked the community of Awka, Anambra State, Ugochi Ugbawu, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, was arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court on Thursday for her alleged involvement in the theft of an 11-month-old boy. The accused, an indigene of Ebonyi State, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, child stealing, and forceful separation of the infant from his family.

The incident allegedly occurred on January 16, 2025, in the Okpoko area of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State. Ugbawu is accused of kidnapping the child along with several other individuals, who, according to the prosecution, are currently at large. The prosecutor, Inspector Chinyere Okechukwu, presented the charges before the court, revealing that the offenses had been committed in clear violation of the law, specifically Sections 495(a) and 321 of the Criminal Code, as well as Section 15(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2017.

The Prosecutor stated that the act of child theft was not only a criminal offense under the state’s criminal code but also an infringement on the rights of the child and the family. The VAPP law, which was introduced in 2017 to tackle various forms of violence, including violence against children, stipulates severe penalties for offenses of such a nature. By forcibly taking the child from his parents, the defendant allegedly violated both the Criminal Code and the comprehensive anti-violence laws in place.

During the proceedings, Ugbawu, who appeared in court in a calm yet tense demeanor, pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against her. The defendant's refusal to accept responsibility for her alleged actions means that the court proceedings will continue, allowing for further investigation and legal processes to unfold. Ugbawu's legal team is expected to defend her in the upcoming hearings.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, the Chief Magistrate, U. E. Onochie, granted Ugbawu bail in the sum of N3 million. Additionally, the court required that she provide a surety who would be willing to pledge an equal sum of N3 million, effectively placing stringent conditions on her release. The bail amount is considered significant, reflecting the gravity of the accusations and the need for legal accountability.

The case has drawn public attention, especially given the growing concern over child theft in various parts of the country. While child abduction and trafficking remain persistent issues in Nigeria, local residents have expressed shock and disbelief at the alleged involvement of a young woman in such a heinous crime. The community has followed the case closely, with many citizens eager to see justice served to deter further instances of similar nature.

As the proceedings continue, Ugbawu will remain under legal scrutiny, and the court has set a date for the next hearing on May 28, 2025. This gives the prosecution time to gather further evidence and allow the defense a chance to present their case in full. The case is expected to attract further public interest as it unfolds, with many awaiting the final outcome.

Child abduction is an issue that continues to plague many Nigerian families, and the legal system's handling of this case could set an important precedent for future cases involving child protection. The decision made by the court will undoubtedly have lasting consequences, not only for Ugbawu but also for the legal fight against child theft and other forms of violence in Anambra State and beyond.

This case highlights the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in curbing crimes related to child safety and protection. The involvement of women in such criminal activities complicates traditional notions of crime, forcing society to confront uncomfortable realities about the motivations and circumstances behind such actions.

With the legal process now underway, both the accused and the victim's family await the conclusion of the trial, which could bring an end to the disturbing chapter in this already tense situation.