Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, sitting at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, has granted one Mrs Nkechi Maduakor, a widow, custody of her two children.

The Custody Order was made in favour of the widow, following an application made by Mrs Nkechi Maduakor and Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, against Mr. Anthony Maduakor and Virginia Obi.

Mrs Nkechi Maduakor, who resides at Umunono village, Nibo, in Awka South Local Government Area, sought the intervention of the state government, through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, when her late husband’s relatives forcefully took away her two sons from her, after the demise of her husband.

Following Mrs Maduakor’s complaints to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, the Commissioner, Mrs Ify Obinabo invited the relatives for an Alternative Dispute Resolution, which failed to yield fruit.

As a result of the parties’ failure to effectively explore Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mrs Maduakor filed a civil action, before the Special Court of Anambra State, praying the Court to grant her custody of the two children of the marriage.

Delivering a Ruling on the Motion-on-Notice, brought pursuant to the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004, the Violence Against Persons, Prohibition, Law of Anambra State, 2017, and under the inherent authorities of the Court, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve Osakwe, prohibited the respondents, jointly, and severally, either by themselves, or through any other person or persons, from subjecting the first applicant, Mrs Nkechi Maduakor, to any form or acts of violence, intimidation or harassment, in any manner whatsoever.

The Court also held that Mrs Nkechi Maduakor’s late husband’s relatives have no right to take away the children of the marriage from the first applicant, and ordered that the custody of her two male children be granted her.

While expressing joy over the Court’s verdict in favour of the widow, the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Mrs Obinabo, lauded the Court for always standing on the path of law, justice and truth, and assured that the State Government, through her Ministry, will continue to be the voice of the voiceless, especially widows and the vulnerable persons.

Also expressing happiness over her victory at the Special Offences Court, the first applicant, Mrs Nkechi Maduakor prayed for more wisdom and good health for the Chief Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe, stating that the Chief Magistrate is an instrument which God used to save her and her children from oppression.

Mrs Maduakor further thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for his assistance, all through the Court processes, and encouraged other vulnerable women and widows in the state to always access the Special Court, for justice, whenever their rights are violated.