A Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka on Thursday remanded a couple over allegations of child abuse and attempted murder of an 11-year-old boy in Anambra.

The picture of the victim, whose body was full of wounds, has been trending on the social media for more than one week.

The inhuman treatment to the minor attracted the attention of Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra governor among other persons.

The defendants, Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and his wife, Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences at Isiowulu community in the Awada area of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.

Okechukwu said the defendants conspired and attempted to murder an 11-year-old boy who had been placed in their care.

She said the offences contravened Sections 495(a) and 275(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. U.E. Onochie, ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre.

Onochie adjourned the matter until July 22 for hearing. (NAN)