Members of Stand for Humanity Foundation in group photography shortly after the court judgement, Comrade Chidiebube Okeoma in the middle wearing black cap.
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Stand For Humanity Foundation has secured the conviction of Mrs. Rose Okon, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Owerri, Imo State, for assaulting her 14-year-old niece, Favour Emmanuel.
Okon was convicted on Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of assault causing grievous harm.
The case followed a petition lodged with the police by the Stand For Humanity Foundation after the alleged abuse of the teenager.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on September 19 at Umuneke in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
The court heard that Okon allegedly poured hot water on the victim’s head and body, resulting in visible injuries.
During the proceedings, photographs documenting the injuries were tendered alongside statements from the victim, the defendant and representatives of the Stand For Humanity Foundation.
Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate C. J. Nkwoada found Okon guilty and sentenced her to six months in prison, with an option of a ₦50,000 fine.
The conviction represents another intervention by the Stand For Humanity Foundation in its campaign against child abuse and violations of children’s rights in Imo State.
Reacting to the judgment, the President of the foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the ruling should serve as a warning that violence against children carries legal consequences.
Okeoma reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children, seeking justice for victims and collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure that perpetrators of child abuse are held accountable.
He said the foundation had, in recent months, intensified its advocacy and awareness campaigns on child protection, including community-based programmes designed to educate residents on children’s rights and the legal framework for preventing and prosecuting abuse.
According to him, the latest judgment further underscores the importance of prompt intervention whenever cases of child abuse are reported.
The foundation said it would continue to advocate for stronger protection of children and ensure that victims of abuse are not left without access to justice.
