A married couple, Chisom Chukwunyere and her husband, Chukwudi, have pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge filed against them by the Anambra State Government over the alleged abuse and severe burning of an 11-year-old boy, Chiziterem Frank Ozuruigbo, who was in their care.
The couple were arraigned before the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, presided over by Justice Peace Otti, over alleged offences said to have occurred on or about June 9, 2026, at No. 23 Obinna-James Street, Odume, Obosi, Anambra State.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to inflict grievous bodily harm on the minor. The first defendant, Chisom, was accused of repeatedly assaulting the child and burning him with thermally liquefied plastic.
Her husband, Chukwudi, was alleged to have known about the injuries inflicted on the boy but failed to obtain appropriate medical treatment for him. He was also accused of keeping the child away from school while the injuries healed.
In count two, the couple were jointly accused of unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm to Chiziterem through repeated beatings and the application of hot, liquefied plastic to his body, resulting in severe burn injuries and other serious bodily harm.
Count three separately accused Chisom of attempting to murder the child by repeatedly beating him and applying thermally liquefied plastic to various parts of his body, allegedly inflicting injuries that endangered his life.
In counts four and five, the woman was further accused of offensive conduct towards the minor and of wilfully and knowingly placing him in fear of physical injury.
Following the defendants’ not-guilty pleas, their lawyers informed the court that they intended to pursue a plea bargain. The prosecution team did not oppose the request.
The Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, appeared for the state alongside Amara Muojeke and other members of the prosecution team.
Chief Ugo Ugwunnadi represented the first defendant, while C.C. Udeaja appeared for the second defendant.
The case concerns allegations of serious abuse of a minor entrusted to the defendants’ care. The couple’s pleas mean that the charges remain allegations, and the defendants have not been convicted.
