...Appeals to the Governor to Investigate the Arrest and Detention of Enugu Woman
The Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC) has raised serious concerns regarding the arrest and detention of Patience Edeh, a female victim of domestic violence, allegedly orchestrated by a state counsel appointed to defend her in court. GSAC has called on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, which they describe as a blatant abuse of power and an attempt to deny justice to Edeh.
Edeh, who has endured severe battering and psychological trauma at the hands of her husband, Evidence Nwachukwu, leading to the loss of her pregnancy, faced another ordeal last Thursday. The case, which has experienced multiple adjournments, took a dramatic turn at the Enugu Magistrate Court. According to reports, Edeh spotted her estranged husband allegedly conversing with her counsel, Nkechi Egbula. Attempting to capture their interaction, Edeh's actions prompted Egbula to instruct the police to arrest and detain her.
The GSAC President, Frank Ezeona, strongly condemned the detention, describing it as a clear case of intimidation and a maneuver to obstruct justice. Edeh was reportedly released on bail after submitting a written apology and paying a bail fee. Ezeona criticized the state counsel's actions, urging the governor to sanction those responsible within the Ministry of Justice.
"GSAC calls on the Enugu state government to sanction the bad eggs in the Ministry of Justice and investigate allegations against the state counsel who detained a woman she was representing in court. This happened just because the woman questioned her involvement in an unprofessional relationship with her estranged husband in the court premises after they had a day in court," Ezeona stated.
He emphasized the gravity of a state counsel allegedly colluding with an individual facing serious charges and the implications such behavior has on the integrity of the justice system. "It is quite disturbing that a state counsel will descend so low to intimidate a poor woman whom the state paid to prosecute her case in court. It is uncalled for and an abuse of position, and this is giving Enugu State a bad name, especially when the Enugu state governor is doing everything to bring civility to the state," he added.
Ezeona urged an investigation into the State Counsel's conduct, highlighting the necessity to scrutinize the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for potential corruption and the light handling of serious criminal cases. He cited the case of Edeh, whose complaints of severe domestic violence and the resultant loss of pregnancy were allegedly downplayed.
"The evidence on the ground is that the said woman complained to the police that the husband beat her up, resulting in the loss of pregnancy and was admitted to the Parklane Hospital at the point of death. If it is so, how can such a heinous crime be given a light charge or be tried in a magistrate court when it was almost a case of attempted murder? I don’t see why a magistrate court should entertain the case if there is no compromise," he questioned.
Further allegations include that Nwachukwu inflicted bodily harm on Edeh with machetes on multiple occasions, incidents that should elevate the charges beyond the jurisdiction of a magistrate court. Ezeona asserted that domestic violence cases, especially those involving severe bodily harm and loss of pregnancy, should be handled with the utmost severity and care by the Enugu State government to ensure protection for victims like Edeh.
GSAC's call to action highlights the need for integrity and fairness in the justice system and the protection of vulnerable individuals from further victimization by those meant to uphold the law. The outcome of this case and the state's response will be closely watched by human rights advocates and the general public alike.
