By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

An Anambra State based couple Chisom Chukwunyere, and husband, Chukwudi, who allegedly conspired to unlawfully cause grievous harm to an 11-year-old house help, Chiziterem Frank Ozuruigbo, have pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge brought against them by the Anambra State Government.

Chisom residing at No. 23 Obinna-James Street, Odume, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state was said to have assaulted the child to stupor, inflicting injuries on him with weapons ranging from thermally liquified plastic to his body, knife, etc, before he was seen by passers-by along the road with body stricken with scars as well as his head.

According to the conspiracy charge brought against the couple, the first defendant, Chisom, in furtherance of the said common purpose, repeatedly assaulted and burnt the said child with thermally liquefied plastic, while the second defendant, Chukwudi, knowing of the injuries inflicted on the child by the wife, failed to secure appropriate medical treatment for him, and kept him away from school while the injuries healed.

In count two of the charges brought against the couple, they were accused of unlawfully causing grievous harm to Chiziterem by repeatedly beating him and applying thermally liquified plastic to his body, thereby causing him severe burn injuries and other serious bodily injuries.

In count three, the woman is separately accused of unlawfully attempting to kill the 11-year-old child in her care, allegedly conspired to unlawfully cause grievous harm to an 11-year-old child who was in their care.

Similarly, the husband, Chiziterem Frank Ozuruigbo, have also pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge brought against them by the Anambra State Government.

In counts four and five, the woman was also separately accused of offensive conduct against Chiziterem, and willfully and knowingly placing the minor in fear of physical injury.

After the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 5-count charge, Counsels for the defendants informed the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, Awka presided over by Justice Peace Otti that their clients will be going for plea bargain, which the prosecution team did not oppose.

The state prosecution team include, Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, Amara Muojeke and others, while Chief Ugo Ugwunnadi and C.C Udeaja, appeared for the first and second defendant respectively.