A mother and two daughters, Martina and Veronica Patrick have been arraigned before a Rivers State Magistrate Court sitting in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for unlawful imprisonment and rubbing of ground pepper on the body of two of Martina’s grandchildren.
Martina, the grandmother of Matthew Martins and Miracle Martins, and her daughter allegedly committed the crime in their apartment within Ozuoba area of the LGA.
The trio in the two-count charge levelled against them is punishable under the Criminal Code of the law of Rivers State.
The charge says the grandmother and her daughters allegedly imprisoned the children in a manner that prevented them from going out of the room.
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The charge also said the accused persons inflicted pains on children by the rubbing ground pepper over their bodies.
The two accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, but were refused bail by Chief Magistrate, Israel Agbaesor
Chief Magistrate explained that the offence committed against children cannot be taken lightly.
Agbaesor, thereafter, ordered that the two accused be reminded in Degema Prisons before adjourning to January 16, 21, 23, and 30, as well as February 6, 10, 11 and 17 for bail consideration and trail.
After the proceedings, counsel to the accused declined to speak on the matter.
A representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Hilda Desmond, who appeared for the prosecution, described the refusal of bail application as a welcome development.
She said the refusal for bail would give room for justice in the matter.
