The Federal Government has placed a N2 million bounty on Anambra-based lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, for burning a 10-year-old house help in Anambra State.
The lawyer, currently at large, is accused of brutalising the minor’s legs and body with a hot iron and a kitchen knife.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, in a press briefing on Monday, described the lady’s actions as “unacceptable and unpardonable acts of child abuse”.
The minister expressed concerns about the health of the victim who is undergoing medical treatment in a hospital at Awka, Anambra State after the attack.
“I used the opportunity to place a N2 million reward for anybody with useful information that can lead to her arrest by the Police,” a statement posted on the minister’s verified X handle read.
“I described the lady’s actions as unacceptable and unpardonable acts of child abuse, infliction of grievous bodily harm, and inhuman treatment and reiterated the resolve of the Ministry of Women Affairs under my watch to fight against all forms of abuse against the vulnerable children in the society.”
The minister urged Nigerians to avail the government of any vital information that could lead to the arrest of the lawyer.
According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs will work closely with the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association to look into the matter, thoroughly investigate, and take appropriate actions against the lawyer.
“It’s even more disturbing to note that the lady who is presently at large after committing the heinous act, had boasted that nothing will happen since she is a Lawyer and we are engaging the President of the Nigeria Bar Association to look into this matter, thoroughly investigate and take appropriate actions against their member.
“On the flip side, the Ministry is presently on a review and regulation of the procedure for taking in housemaids in Nigeria, especially given Section 28, 1 (d) of the Child Rights Act which prohibits the employment of a child under 18 years old as a domestic help outside his/her own home or family environment. We will work with the Federal Ministry of Justice on this matter to ensure that we protect vulnerable children from this manner of avoidable inhuman treatment. Mr. President does not wish for any Nigerian to suffer unnecessarily and I will drive this matter to a logical conclusion,” she said.
