Mr. Sunday Echeji, accused of cutting off his wife’s hand in a shocking act of domestic violence, has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu.
Echeji who was arraigned on Friday, January 31, 2025, faces charges of attempted murder under Section 275, Subsection A of the Criminal Code CAP 30, Vol. 1 Reversed Laws of Enugu State, 2024.
The incident, which occurred in Ugwuogede village, Ibagwa-Agu, Nsukka Local Government Area, sparked widespread outrage across the state. Due to the severity of the charges, the Chief Magistrate Court transferred the case to the State Department of Public Prosecution, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Echeji has been remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Centre pending his trial at the state High Court, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the office of the First Lady of Enugu State, led by Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah.
In the statement, the First Lady said she had been closely monitoring the case, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ending violence against women.
The statement read, “This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our state. Rest assured, we will ensure that justice is served. So, think twice before you ever think of committing such a barbaric or inhumane act or indeed any form of violence because, with this administration, you must face justice.”
Beyond legal action, the Enugu State Government has continued its efforts to protect women and girls, strengthen legal frameworks, and support survivors of domestic violence.
Stakeholders, including civil society groups and law enforcement agencies, are working together to ensure that cases like this set a strong precedent against all forms of violence.
(PUNCH)