Update: Couple plead not guilty to alleged conspiracy, attempted murder of 11-year-old child

A married woman, Chisom Chukwunyere, and her husband, Chukwudi, were on Friday, October 16, arraigned before the Anambra State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, Awka, Anambra State, on charges bordering on the grievous harm caused on an 11-year-old child, Chiziterem Frank Ozuruigbo, who was residing with them.

The couple was arrested after shocking photos and videos showing battered Chizeterem went viral. He was rescued after neighbors in the compound where he lived with the couple raised an alarm about his battered look. 

According to the 5-count charge brought against the couple, the married woman was accused of repeatedly assaulting and burning Chiziterem with thermally liquefied plastic, while her husband, who is the second defendant, failed to seek medical attention for him and kept him away from school.

In count two of the charges brought against the couple, they are accused of unlawfully causing grievous harm to Chiziterem by repeatedly beating him and applying thermally liquefied plastic to his body.

In count three, the woman is separately accused of unlawfully attempting to fatally injure Chiziterem, by repeatedly beating him and applying thermally liquefied plastic to various parts of his body, thereby inflicting severe burn injuries and endangering his life.  

In counts four and five, the woman was also separately accused of offensive conduct against Chiziterem, and willfully and knowingly placing the minor in fear of physical injury.

The couple pleaded not guilty to all 5 counts. Through their lawyers, they announced they will be going for a plea bargain, which the prosecution team did not oppose.