An Owerri chief magistrate court in Imo state has ordered that Juliet Igwe be remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre over allegations of grievous harm and attempted murder involving Onyinyechi, a five-year-old girl.
Igwe appeared before U. Adikibe, chief magistrate, on a one-count charge of attempted murder filed by the Imo state police command under the authority of the commissioner of police.
The offence is alleged to have occurred on November 25, during which Onyinyechi reportedly suffered serious physical injuries.
Police prosecutors informed the court that the crime carries a potential life sentence, prompting the magistrate to declare that the matter exceeds the court’s jurisdiction.
Adikibe subsequently ordered that Igwe be held in custody and instructed that the case file be sent to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) for legal guidance.
Court documents indicated that the child remained in a critical state for several days before being rescued.
The case attracted public attention after the intervention of the Stand For Humanity Foundation, a human rights group that reportedly found Onyinyechi in a distressed condition and assisted in her rescue.
The foundation also facilitated the arrest of Igwe on December 4.
Under the leadership of activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, the group ensured that Onyinyechi was admitted promptly to the Imo State University Medical Centre in Owerri, where she continues to receive treatment.
The organisation has maintained calls for justice and accountability while monitoring the child’s recovery.
Members of the public and human rights advocates are expected to follow the proceedings closely as the case moves forward.
Supporters have been urged to use social media to raise awareness and advocate for both justice and proper medical care for Onyinyechi.
Speaking to journalists after the court hearing, Igwe expressed remorse for her actions.
“I didn’t know that this child would be in such pains. I didn’t know. It is only God that will judge me,” Igwe said.
“I don’t know what came over me. I have been crying and praying for God to heal Onyinyechi.”
The case has provoked widespread outrage and renewed appeals for improved child protection and rapid legal action against abusers.