The Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare is taking decisive action to prosecute Chinagorom Ukaegbu for assaulting and causing bodily harm to a widow. Commissioner Nkechinyere Ugwu emphasized that Ukaegbu will be held accountable to deter similar acts of violence in the future.
Speaking to journalists at the State Secretariat in Owerri, Ugwu expressed her distress over a viral video showing Ukaegbu beating and cutting the widow with a knife. The video caught the attention of the state’s First Lady, Chioma Uzodinma, who directed the ministry to ensure justice is served.
“When the governor’s wife, Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, saw the video, she asked the ministry to find the facts behind the matter. When I, together with my team, visited Umuawada in Ezenihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, it was discovered that the case, which happened last August, was not properly dispensed with,” Ugwu explained.
Further investigation revealed that Ukaegbu had been initially arrested by the police but was released after six weeks without proper arraignment. Following his release, he continued to threaten the widow and her son, leading to his rearrest to ensure proper judicial procedures are followed.
“We understand that the case of victimisation, attempted murder, beating and psychological trauma did not go through the proper judicial process; the government insisted that the right process be followed,” Ugwu said.
The commissioner assured that the ministry is dedicated to addressing gender-based violence, rape, harmful widowhood practices, and intimidation of vulnerable individuals. She stressed that the ministry is committed to protecting all genders from domestic violence.
Ugwu expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her prompt response, as well as to the media, police, and other agencies for their cooperation in the rearrest of Ukaegbu. She affirmed that the ministry would use this case to set a strong example.
Mrs. Mirian Ogbu, responsible for legal matters within the ministry, announced that the case would be heard on July 17 at Ahiazu Mbaise Magistrate Court. She confirmed that the ministry is fully prepared to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
