Mr. Sunday Echeji, accused of severing his wife’s hand in a brutal act of domestic violence, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu on January 31, 2025.
Echeji 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.
The incident, which took place in Ugwuogede village, Ibagwa-Agu, Nsukka Local Government Area, has sparked widespread outrage across the state. 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, according to a statement released by the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, led by Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.
In the statement, the First Lady condemned the act and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eradicating 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 Enugu State Government has ramped up efforts to protect women and girls, strengthen legal frameworks, and provide support to survivors of domestic violence.
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.
