Anambra Court Remands Couple for Attempted Murder of 10-Year-Old Boy

Anambra State Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga

Anambra Court Remands Couple for Attempted Murder of 10-Year-Old Boy

Chukwudi and Chisom Chukwuyere arraigned in court as 10-year-old victim recovers; police rescue suspected trafficker from mob at Obosi hospital

The Anambra State Police Command has secured the remand of a couple in a correctional centre over their alleged involvement in the abuse of a 10-year-old boy whose viral video showing severe injuries sparked widespread outrage. The boy, identified as Chiziterem, is currently receiving medical treatment under state protection. Meanwhile, the command has launched a separate investigation into an alleged child trafficking ring after a woman disguised as a nurse was rescued from an angry mob at a hospital in Obosi.

The Anambra State Police Command has secured the remand of Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and his wife, Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, in a correctional centre over their alleged involvement in the abuse of a 10-year-old boy under their care. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. According to the statement, the suspects were arraigned in court following the conclusion of preliminary investigations into the case, which attracted public concern after reports and video footage of the victim surfaced on social media. The victim, identified as Chiziterem, was seen in the viral video with a scalded body showing injuries on all parts of his body, allegedly inflicted by his guardians in Awada, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The couple is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder before a Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court in Awka. The police prosecutor, Inspector Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the defendants conspired and attempted to murder the boy who had been placed in their care at Isiowulu community in the Awada area. The offences contravene Sections 495(a) and 275(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate U.E. Onochie ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre, and the matter was adjourned until July 22, 2026, for a hearing.

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The boy is currently receiving medical treatment under state protection. The viral video of the victim, which surfaced online some days ago, attracted public concern and prompted the state government’s intervention. The Anambra State First Lady, Nonye Soludo, has visited the boy in the hospital and expressed delight over his steady recovery, describing it as a testament to the dedication of the medical team and the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from kind-hearted individuals. She expressed relief over the reassuring update from the medical team that his condition is stable. During interrogation, the principal suspect, Chisom Chukwuyere, allegedly confessed to using burning plastic to inflict injuries on the child.

The police commended residents of the area for their vigilance, cooperation, and timely provision of information that led to the rescue of the child and ensured that he received the necessary medical attention while the suspects were apprehended. The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to promoting justice and the protection of human rights in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect.

In a separate development, the command has commenced an investigation into an alleged child trafficking incident following the rescue of a female suspect from an angry mob at Divine Mercy Hospital, Eze Iweka Road, Awada, Obosi. The suspect, identified as Anurika Nweme, aged 37, was rescued by police operatives attached to Awada Divisional Headquarters. According to police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, eyewitnesses reported that the suspect, on the afternoon of June 23, 2026, allegedly gained access to the hospital premises disguised in attire resembling that of a nurse and was observed making secret video recordings of newborn babies in the maternity ward. When questioned by hospital staff and other persons present, she reportedly claimed to be an employee of the hospital. However, upon verification, the management of the hospital confirmed that she was not a member of its staff. A nursing mother who had just delivered a baby boy said the woman approached her and asked the gender of her baby, and later started making calls to tell someone on the other end about the gender available.

The suspect is currently in protective custody and assisting investigating police officers in identifying others involved in the alleged criminal network. The police assured that further developments on the investigations would be communicated accordingly. The incident comes amid a broader regional crackdown on illegal adoption and child trafficking operations. The command has also recently rescued a 15-year-old pregnant girl from alleged child exploitation and sexual abuse in the state.