An FCT High Court, Maitama, on Tuesday ordered the National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) to allow a domestic violence victim’s parents see their daughter in NAPTIP’s custody.
The victim, a-14-year-old girl was alleged to have been violently beaten by a woman, Esther Nwatu, with whom she was living with as a maid.
Justice Peter Kekemeke gave the order after the victim’s parents known as Mr and Mrs Ogbonna from Enugu State complained to the court that for seven years they were not allowed to see their daughter.
The victim’s parents, who did not have any legal representation, made a passionate appeal to the court to grant their request.
The judge said that the parents of the victim must have access to their child and also know what was going on with her.
“Ensure that the child is brought out for the parents to see between Tuesday and Thursday.
“Let them see their daughter and talk with her, whatever good you are doing, carry them along,” Kekemeke told NAPTIP.
The trial Judge then adjourned the matter until Thursday, May 12 for report.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Comfort Ajene, told the court that the girl was with them and was attending school too.
The prosecution’s second witness, Jane Okereke, testified and tendered photographs of the victim in evidence.
Pius Ezema, Defence Counsel to Esther Nwatu, objected to the admissibility of the photographs, but he was overruled by the Court.
NAPTIP had alleged in its submission before the court that on or about July 7, 2016, a-14-year-old girl was inflicted injury by her madam, Esther Nwatu of Orozo, Abuja.
It further alleged that Nwatu stripped the girl naked, tied her hands and legs, and flogged her with an electric wire.
The prosecution said that the offence contravened Section 2(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
She had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In another development, Justice Kekemeke adjourned until July 13, for defence in a case of alleged culpable homicide.
The judge adjourned when the prosecution counsel, S.I Nwafoaku failed to appear in court and no information was presented regarding his absence.
Kekemeke also did not allow the counsel to call his witnesses.
The defendant’s counsel, V.C Labesa, informed the court that he was going to file a no-case- submission (no case to answer).
The police had alleged that a 27-year-old Saleh Haruna of Fulani Camp, Bazunkure, Pegi, Abuja killed his brother’s wife, Rabi.
It alleged that Haruna on Nov. 11, 2020 hit Rabi with pestle on her forehead which led to her death, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.
He however pleaded not guilty to the allegation levelled against him.(NAN)