The Anambra State Police Command has secured a court order remanding a couple accused of abusing a 10-year-old boy, as authorities also investigate a separate suspected child trafficking incident involving a woman arrested at a hospital in Awada, Obosi.
The Anambra child abuse case involves Mr Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and his wife, Mrs Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, who were arraigned and remanded in a correctional facility following allegations of child abuse in Isiowulu community.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that the suspects were remanded after the completion of preliminary investigations into the case, which gained public attention after video footage of the victim surfaced online.
“The suspects were arraigned in court 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,” Ikenga stated.
The police commended members of the public whose swift intervention and information reportedly aided in the rescue of the child, who has since been taken for medical attention.
In a separate development, the command said it has launched an investigation into a suspected child trafficking attempt after a 37-year-old woman was arrested at Divine Mercy Hospital on Eze Iweka Road in Awada.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Anurika, allegedly gained access to the hospital while dressed in attire resembling that of a nurse and was observed recording newborn babies in the maternity ward.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the police stated that she initially claimed to be a hospital staff member when confronted, but this was later refuted by hospital management after verification.
“When questioned by hospital staff and other persons present, she reportedly claimed to be an employee of the hospital. However, upon verification, the management confirmed that she was not a member of its staff,” the statement said.
The suspect is currently in protective custody and assisting investigators as efforts continue to uncover possible links to a wider network.
Authorities assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
