Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Police Command has secured the remand of a couple in a correctional centre following their arraignment over the alleged brutal assault of a 10-year-old boy under their care. The case, which has sparked widespread public outrage, saw the couple — Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and his wife, Chisom Chukwuyere, 30 — brought before a Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court in Awka on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The court ordered the couple's remand pending further legal proceedings after they pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and attempted murder. The Chief Magistrate, U.E. Onochie, adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for hearing.
The case gained national attention after distressing video footage of the victim, identified as Chiziterem, surfaced on social media. The clips showed the boy with severe injuries, including scalded burns across his body, allegedly inflicted by his guardians in Awada, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The video prompted public outcry and triggered intervention from both the state government and law enforcement agencies.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple, who were the boy's guardians, subjected him to physical abuse over a period of time. During interrogation, Mrs. Chukwuyere reportedly confessed to having used burning plastic to inflict burns on the victim. A third suspect, a 16-year-old boy whose name has been withheld, was also arrested in connection with the assault.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the remand in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. Ikenga said the suspects were arraigned following the conclusion of preliminary investigations into the case, which attracted public concern after reports and video footage of the victim surfaced on social media.
"The Anambra State Police Command has secured the remand of Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuyere, aged 40 years, and Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, aged 30 years, in a Correctional Centre over their alleged involvement in the abuse of a 10-year-old boy in Isiowulu, Anambra State," Ikenga stated.
He commended residents of the area for their vigilance and timely provision of information, which led to the rescue of the child and ensured that he received necessary medical attention while the suspects were apprehended.
The victim is currently receiving medical treatment under state protection. Anambra State First Lady, Nonye Soludo, has paid two visits to the boy at the hospital and expressed delight over his steady recovery, describing it as a testament to the dedication of the medical team and the outpouring of love and support from kind-hearted individuals.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, vowed that the couple would face prosecution for their alleged offence. "The offenders must face the law for this barbaric act. If you see something, please, say something," she said.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and members of the public, with many calling for stronger measures to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
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