A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Imo State has sentenced Rose Okon to six months in prison for assaulting her 14-year-old niece, who was under her care. The ruling was delivered by Chief Magistrate C. J. Nkwoada on Friday after Okon admitted guilt to a charge of assault.

The incident occurred on September 19 in Umuneke, Ngor Okpala, where Okon was accused of pouring hot water on the teenager, resulting in severe injuries. The case was prosecuted under Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, applicable in Imo State.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by counsel Sampson Obodo, presented photographic evidence of the injuries sustained by the victim, alongside statements from both the accused and the victim. The Stand For Humanity Foundation, which filed the petition that led to Okon's arrest, also submitted a statement to the court.

After her conviction, Okon was given the opportunity to plead for leniency. She expressed remorse, while her lawyer, Innocent Onyekwere, requested the court to show mercy in its sentencing. The court, however, maintained the six-month imprisonment but provided an alternative option of a N50,000 fine.

Chidiebube Okeoma, president of the Stand For Humanity Foundation, spoke to journalists following the verdict, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to raising awareness about the legal ramifications of child abuse. Okeoma, who is also a journalist and child-rights advocate, remarked that this conviction should serve as a strong reminder of the consequences of child abuse under Nigerian law.

The Stand For Humanity Foundation has been active in advocating against child abuse in Imo State, having conducted awareness campaigns in Owerri on July 4 and September 12, 2026. These campaigns involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Imo State Police Command, the Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, as well as Nollywood actors and rights activists. Okeoma reiterated that the foundation would persist in its efforts to combat child abuse in the region.