The abused little Miss Ifunanya and her mistress, Mrs. Esther Orjiugo Zazi Kelechi David (middle)
Abused girl to be flown to Abuja for surgeries – Abia govt
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
10-year old Miss Ifunanya, would be flown to Abuja for corrective surgeries on her throat and intestines following injuries she suffered at the hands of her mistress, Mrs. Esther Orjiugo Zazi Kelechi David, who is currently standing trial in court.
Mrs. Esther Orjiugo Zazi Kelechi David was alleged to have forced hot water down Ifunanya’s throat for reportedly breaking a plate. The punishment, further medical examination has shown, damaged Ifunanya’s throat and intestines, thus make it difficult for her to eat.
Hospital sources said that current diagnosis revealed that Ifunanya has “Oesophageal and Pyloric Stenosis,” which, in layman’s language, simply means there has been extensive damage to her oesophagus and stomach which was making it difficult for food to enter her stomach. She has only been taking fluids at the hospital where she is being treated.
As a result of Ifunanya’s condition, Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, who is footing the bills for her treatment, has directed that she be flown to Abuja for continued management and possible corrective surgeries.
Investigations have also revealed that Mrs Esther Zazi David serially abused and brutalized Miss Ifunanya, thereby leaving her with many injuries, including a broken collar-bone, which was sustained when her mistress allegedly threw her down on the ground and viciously stepped on her neck, shoulder, and chest, another injury the doctors would also handle.
Recall that Mrs. Ikpeazu, had earlier this month, promised to offset the medical bills of Miss Ifunanya after learning of her fate and visiting her in the hospital.
During the visit, Mrs. Ikpeazu also directed her personal physician to join the medical team handling the girl’s treatment, even as she mobilized various agencies to take up the matter.
She had described as very inhuman and barbaric, the action of Mrs. Kelechi who is alleged to have force-fed Ifunanya with hot water and also allegedly poked pepper into the child’s private parts.
Meanwhile, an Umuahia High Court presided over by Justice KCJ Okereke, would on September 30, 2021, deliver ruling on the bail application filed by Mrs. Esther Orjiugo Zazi Kelechi David, who has been in detention since she was arrested last month when her alleged maltreatment of Ifunanya came to light.
Justice KCJ Okereke adjourned sitting for the ruling last Thursday after listening to arguments for and against the bail application by the Defence Counsel, Barr. Chilaka Anyanwu, and the Prosecution and Director of Public Prosecutions in Abia State, Mrs. Ngozi Obioma.
After submissions by the counsel, Justice KCJ Okereke adjourned the case to September 30, 2021, for ruling on the bail application.
