Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Mr Sunday Echeji, from Ibafwa Ani, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, who cut off his wife’s hand during an argument has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu for attempted murder.
The court ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and transferred the case file to the state Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, for necessary directive as the lower court has no jurisdiction to handle the case.
The charge brought against Echeji was attempted murder, filed under Section 275, Subsection A of the Criminal Code (Cap 30, Vol. 1, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004).
The Magistrate Court transferred the case to the DPP, citing lack of jurisdiction to try such serious offences.
Echeji was remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Centre pending the commencement of his trial at the State High Court.
The Office of the First Lady of Enugu State led by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has reportedly been monitoring the case closely, reiterating the administration’s commitment to ending violence against women.
In a public statement, the First Lady declared, “This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our state. Rest assured, we will ensure that justice is served. So, think twice before you ever think of committing such a barbaric or inhumane act or indeed any form of violence because, with this administration, you must face justice!”
The incident had drawn the attention of stakeholders, including civil society groups and law enforcement agencies as well as the state ministry of women and gender affairs.
Also the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Mr Jude Asogwa, had visited the victim in the hospital.