Alex Enumah in Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned a housewife, Khadija Yahaya, 30, for allegedly dipping the hands of her 2-year-old step son, Abubakar Yahaya, into boiling water thereby causing him serious harm.
According to a statement by Vincent Adekoye of the NAPTIP’s Press and Public Relations Unit, Khadija was arraigned on a two-count charge before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari, Abuja, presided over by Justice A. O. Musa.
The statement recalled that NAPTIP had arrested the woman, who is said to be the second wife of Mr. Yahaya following a tip off from concerned Nigerians.
Count one of the charge read: “That you Khadija Yahaya (F) 30 years old of Block Industry, opposite ECWA Church, Chukuku, Kuje area council, Abuja, on or about December 12, 2017, at the jurisdiction of this court, used harmful liquid to wit boiling water (hot) water on Abubakar Yahaya (M) 2 years old of the same address as above by dipping his two hands, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 21 (1) of the Violence Against Persons Act 2015.â€
Count two stated: “That you Khadijat Yahaya (F) 30 years old of the same address and time as above, within the jurisdiction of this court, willful inflicted physical injury on Abubakar Yahaya (M) 2 years old of the same address by dipping his two hands in a boiling water which caused full thickness burn on his two hands, thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(1) of the Violence Against Persons Act 2015.â€
She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail in surety of N500.
Further hearing of the case was adjourned to February 20, 2018.
