By Praise Chinecherem
The Anambra State government has approved the establishment of a high court for children, sexual and gender based violence offences in the state.
Media aide to Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu said the court designated “Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Court Holden” Awka is the first of its kind in the history of the state.
She said the approval made by Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, followed establishment of specialized magistrate court for children, sexual and gender based violence offences in the state as well as request by Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo.
She said, “The court will strictly try special offences that affect children or gender based violences such as rape, child defilement, gender based violent crimes and other related offenses.
“The aim is to give accelerated hearing and to ensure speedy justice delivery in such cases. Its first Chief Judge is Justice Peace Otti, with high court 3 as its presiding court.
“Suspects were arraigned before the court and more than five cases that bordered on rape and child defilement were heard on the first day of trial in the court.
“Some cases were adjourned to 13th January, 2023 while a defendant arraigned before the court was remanded at Amawbia Correctional Center.
“Meanwhile, at the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Court of the magistrate court Awka, more than 25 cases have been binded over to the high Court.”
