A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, has ordered the remand of 38-year-old businesswoman Mrs. Juliet Igwe at the Owerri Correctional Centre pending further legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Mrs. Igwe was arraigned on a one-count charge of attempted murder bordering on grievous harm inflicted on her five-year-old domestic helper, Onyinyechi Madueke.
According to police prosecutors, the incident occurred on November 25, 2025. The accused allegedly used candle flames to burn the child’s private parts, dipped her two hands in boiling water causing severe peeling and burns, and inflicted multiple other injuries. The child was left untreated for over a week, wandering until she was rescued on December 2 by activists.
Chief Magistrate B.U. Adikibe ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case, as the offence is punishable by life imprisonment under relevant laws. The magistrate directed that the case file be forwarded to the DPP for advice while remanding the suspect in custody.
According to one of the men who rescued her, whose identity we cannot verify as at the time of filing this report, said during the proceedings, the accused reportedly showed no remorse until the remand order was issued, at which point “she began crying and pleading in court. She admitted wrongdoing in a rambling statement, claiming divine judgment, but observers noted her tears appeared only after the prison remand was announced.”
“Tragically, medical updates indicate that two of the child’s fingers are now unsalvageable due to decay from untreated burns and will require amputation.
“The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, facilitated by the Stand For Humanity Foundation, led by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, who played a key role in her rescue.”
The case has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting concerns over child abuse and the exploitation of minors as domestic helpers. Rights groups have called for swift justice and stronger child protection measures.
The matter is adjourned pending DPP advice, with the next court mention expected in early 2026.