Alleged cruelty to child: Absence of prosecution’s witness stalls trial of woman

The absence of a Prosecution Counsel’s witness, Chukwuma Esther, in a Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday stalled the trial of Nneaka Anumudu who allegedly fed her fivr-year-old foster child human faces.

The police charged the defendant with cruelty to a child and voluntarily causing grievous hurt without provocation.

At the resumed court sitting, the prosecution counsel Okokon Mbruk told the court that the complainant, Chukwuma Esther who is a sister inlaw to the defendant was indisposed and prayed for a date.

Magistrate Hafsat Amiru adjourned the matter until Nov.12 for continuation of trial.

Supreme news reports that the prosecution alleged that the complainant, reported the matter at Mabushi Divisional Police Headquarters.

Mbruk added that the case was later transferred to the State Command.

The prosecution said that the defendant whom is married to the five-year-old girl’s uncle, was entrusted to provide care and support to the minor following the death of the girl’s biological mother.

He alleged that in the process, without provocation, the defendant cruely beat, tortured and fed the minor with human faeces instead of food.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 238 and 247 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.