The Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court of Anambra State has sentenced two men, Kingsley Okeke, 22, and Chukwuemeka Nweke, 27, for child theft and illegal adoption activities.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe, found the duo guilty of four charges, including child stealing, illegal dealing in children, fraudulent enticement and harboring of a one-year-and-two-month-old boy, and inflicting physical injuries. The charges are in violation of the Criminal Code, Child’s Rights Law, and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State.
The suspects were initially arraigned in 2023. The court, after considering oral testimonies, written depositions, and submissions from the plaintiff’s witnesses, concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Despite defense pleas for leniency, citing the defendants' good character and remorse, Chief Magistrate Osakwe emphasized the need for balanced justice. Consequently, Okeke and Nweke received the following sentences: one year for the first count, six years each for the second and third counts, and two years for the fourth count, all to run concurrently without the option of a fine.
Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, praised the judgment and warned other potential offenders, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting children. She also vowed to bring a third suspect, who remains at large, to justice.
