Man caught bullying widow to be prosecuted in Imo

The Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare is making all the required preparations to bring Chinagorom Ukaegbu to justice for allegedly attacking and physically abusing a widow.

In order to serve as a deterrence to those who might commit similar acts, Ukaegbu will be held accountable, according to Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Nkechinyere Ugwu.

In the capital of Imo State, Owerri, she made this statement to reporters while speaking in her office at the State Secretariat.

She claimed to have been affected by what she watched in a social media video that showed the man beating and cutting a widow with a knife.

She said that the state’s first lady, Chioma Uzodinma, became aware of the occurrence and ordered the ministry to make sure the issue is investigated.

“When the governor’s wife, Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, saw the video, she asked the ministry to find the facts behind the matter. When I, together with my team, visited Umuawada in Ezenihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, it was discovered that the case, which happened last August, was not properly dispensed with,” she said.

The commissioner went on to say that after an investigation, it was discovered that the man in question had been taken into custody by the police after the incident, but had been released without being charged. Following his release, he returned and began to threaten the widow and her son, which prompted his rearrest so that the correct legal procedure could be carried out.

“We understand that the case of victimisation, attempted murder, beating and psychological trauma did not go through the proper judicial process; the government insisted that the right process be followed,” she said.

She disclosed that the ministry is actively tackling issues of gender-based violence, sexual assault, detrimental widowhood customs, and intimidation of vulnerable individuals. She insisted that when the topic of domestic abuse comes up, the ministry protects people of all genders in addition to women.

Ugwu emphasised that the ministry would use Ukaegbu’s case to serve as a model for others.

She praised the state’s first lady for her prompt action in the situation and expressed gratitude to the police, media, and other pertinent agencies for their assistance in apprehending the man again.

The case will be heard at Ahiazu Mbaise Magistrate Court on July 17th, according to Mrs. Mirian Ogbu, the ministry’s legal affairs coordinator. She declared that the ministry was ready, legally speaking, to take the case all the way to the end.

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