13th January, 2017
The accused, popularly called `Mama Emeka’ was arrested at her residence at 36, Fadeyi Street, Olowora, Isheri, Lagos in Dec. 2016.
Ilokwu was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs Sule Amzat on a two-count charge of assault and grievous harm.
The magistrate, however, granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Amzat also ordered that the sureties must be members of her family, and must also show evidence of tax clearance.
The case, which was reported to the police by neighbours of the accused, had also attracted the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).
The Coordinator of the team, Mrs Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi, said “it was reported that the accused used a hot pressing iron on the back of one 16-year-old girl, who happens to be her half sister’’.
“She also used razor blade to shave her hair and cut her thigh badly.
“The neighbours also alleged that the perpetrator always beat her regularly and makes her work and hawk late into the night.
“When DSVRT was notified, we responded by rescuing the girl in question in partnership with the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
“We must commend members of the society for seeing themselves as mandated reporters and ensuring the matter was reported to the authority.
“We urge neighbours, the community to report matters of Sexual and Gender Based Violence to any nearby police station,’’ she said.