The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Awka has granted custody of three children to Mrs. Onyinye Enweugwu, following a legal battle between her and her husband, Mr. Okechukwu Enweugwu.
The ruling was delivered after Mrs. Enweugwu, a businesswoman in Anambra State, sought intervention through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare. She alleged that her husband forcefully took the children from her, subjected her to physical abuse, harassment, and regularly brought other women into their matrimonial home.
Efforts by the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, to mediate through alternative dispute resolution failed. Consequently, Mrs. Enweugwu proceeded to file a civil case before the special court.
Presiding Chief Magistrate Genevieve C. Osakwe, ruling on a Motion-on-Notice, granted custody of the children to the mother. The court also barred the respondent from engaging in any form of violence, harassment, or intimidation toward Mrs. Enweugwu, either directly or indirectly.
In addition to the custody ruling, the court ordered Mr. Enweugwu to pay a monthly sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira to Mrs. Enweugwu for the upkeep and maintenance of the children.
Reacting to the judgment, Commissioner Ify Obinabo expressed satisfaction and praised the court for upholding justice and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals in the state.
