A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, has ordered the remand of 26-year-old Jonathan Okoronkwo at the Afara Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl.
The accused is facing a one-count charge of child defilement, reportedly committed on March 15, 2025, at Ugwuafor Arochukwu, in Arochukwu Local Government Area. Police prosecutor, Chinyeaka Njoku, informed the court that the act contravenes Section 7, subsections 1 and 2, of the Abia State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2019.
Okoronkwo pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In a bail application, the defence counsel, Barrister Lawyer Okocha, argued that the accused poses no flight risk and has credible individuals to stand as sureties. However, the prosecution opposed bail, citing the severity of the alleged offence and the potential sentence if convicted.
Chief Magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution and ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody, noting that such crimes are becoming disturbingly frequent and pose a risk of the accused evading justice.
The case was adjourned to June 26, 2025, for further mention.
Earlier, the court invoked Section 100 of the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law to assume jurisdiction, ruling that the offence is deemed to have been committed within Umuahia.
Speaking to journalists, the victim’s mother, Onyinyechi Abia, revealed that the child had contracted sexually transmitted infections from the incident and has been undergoing treatment. She appealed for justice, urging the court to ensure the accused is held accountable.
The case continues under public and legal scrutiny, with strong calls for deterrence and protection of vulnerable children across the state.
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