A chief magistrates’ court in Sokoto on Wednesday ordered that a 33-year-old housewife, Rahila Yakubu, be remanded in a correctional centre for alleged cruelty to her stepdaughter.
Yakubu, who resides in Sokoto metropolis, was charged with three counts of causing grievous hurt, child cruelty and wrongful confinement.
Chief Magistrate Fatima Hassan, who gave the order, adjourned the case until Dec. 22.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Insp George Idoko, said the incident was reported on Dec. 12.
He said the victim sustained injuries on her body as a result of the maltreatment and was presently receiving treatment.
When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty while the defence counsel, Mr Shamsuddeen Dauda, applied for her bail.
However, the prosecutor opposed the application.
He said an investigation into the matter is in progress.
Idoko said in view of the gravity of the offence and the condition of the victim, investigation might be jeopardised.
He said the prosecution was ready to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Speaking to newsmen after the arraignment, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Sifawa, commended the state Ministry of Health for taking care of the medical cost of the victim.
She appealed for diligent prosecution in the case in view of the nature of the cases of Gender-Based Violence and assured further support to the victim. (NAN)
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