Mr Sunday Echeji, accused of brutally severing his wife’s hand in Ugwuogede village, Ibagwa-Agu, Nsukka Local Government Area, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu on January 31, 2025. This horrific act of violence against women has sparked outrage and prompted swift legal action. He faces charges of attempted murder under Section 275, Subsection A of the Criminal Code CAP 30, Vol. 1 of the Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2024.
Due to the gravity of the charges, the Chief Magistrate Court transferred the case to the State Department of Public Prosecution, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
Echeji has been remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Centre pending his trial at the State High Court. The Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, led by Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, released a statement condemning the act and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to eradicating violence against women.
The Government’s Stance on Violence Against Women
“This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our state. Rest assured, we will ensure that justice is served. So, think twice before you ever think of committing such a barbaric or inhumane act or indeed any form of violence because, with this administration, you must face justice,” the statement read. The government has made it clear that such acts of violence against women will be met with the full force of the law.
The Enugu State Government has intensified efforts to protect women and girls, strengthen legal frameworks, and provide support to survivors of domestic violence. The focus on preventing violence against women is becoming more and more prevalent.
Civil society groups and law enforcement agencies are collaborating to ensure that cases like this set a strong precedent against all forms of violence, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance stance on domestic abuse. The need to curb violence against women is a driving force behind these collaborative efforts.
The state’s monarchs have also condemned violence against women and girls, affirming their commitment to eliminating harmful practices. This unified stance against violence against women signals a shift in the state’s approach towards domestic abuse, intending to protect women from such horrific experiences.
