News

Woman prosecuted in court for reportedly torturing house help to death in Plateau

Published

4 years ago

December 16, 2022

vicky

A mother of two identified as Mrs. Nneamaka Nwachuku, who reportedly tortured her 11-year-old house help, Margret Joshua, to death, has been prosecuted before the Plateau State High Court on a three-count charge.

Mrs. Nwachuku, a microbiologist who works with the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom in the Jos South local government area of Plateau State, was alleged to have committed the crime in November 2022, when she forced the eleven-year-old to sit on a container with hot groundnut oil, which burned her buttocks. She later died in a hospital.

It was gathered that the late Margret Joshua was among those who fled a community in Kebbi State as a result of banditry and was brought to Jos to serve in the house of Nwachuku as a house help with a promise by the latter to enroll her in school, which she never did.

As a result of the incident, the woman was arrested by the police, detained, and charged to court on Wednesday by the Plateau State Police Command after an investigation.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on Wednesday before Hon. Justice B. Bassi of High Court 12, Jos, on a three-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death, contrary to Sections 188 (A) and (B) and punishable under Section 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.

“Particulars of Offense: That you Nneamaka Nwachukwu ‘f’ on or about the 11th day of November 2022, at about 1600 hours, at the National Institute of Trypanosomiasis (NITR) National Veterinary Research Institute Quarters, K/Vom, Jos South LGA of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offense, to wit: culpable homicide punishable with death, when you used hot groundnut oil and poured it on the buttocks and other parts of the body of one Margret Joshua (now deceased), your house help, who was entrusted under your care for the purpose of schooling, which she sustained superficial scald burns, which led to her death, when you poured it on the buttocks and other parts of the body of one Margret, aged 11 (now deceased).

“That you had knowledge that the death of the deceased is the probable consequence of your ill-conceived intention, which is reflected in the callous manner in which you mishandled the deceased. You thereby committed the above offense.

“Statement of Offence Count II: Cruelty to Person, Contrary to Section 206 and Punishable under Section 206 (B) of the Plateau State Penal Code Law 2017

“Particular of Offence; That you Nneamaka Nwachukwu “f” on or about 11/11/2022 at about 1600 hrs and other dates in the year 2022 at the National Institute of Trypanosomiasis (NITR) National Veterinary Research Institute Quarters K/Vom Jos South LGA of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: cruelty to persons, when you had the care of one Margret Joshua “f” (now deceased) aged 11 years (now deceased), you as an adult in a position of authority over her, you used hot groundnut oil and poured it on her buttocks and other parts of her body, and you assaulted by the use of an electric cable, beating her frequently, and ill-treated her. You thereby committed the above offense.

“Statement of Offence Count III: Voluntary Causing Hurt or Grievous Hurt by Dangerous Means, Contrary to and Punishable Under Section 222 (1) of the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017

“Particular of Offence: That you Nneamaka Nwachukwu ‘f’ on or about the 11th day of November 2022, at about 1600 hours, at the National Institute of Trypanosomiasis (NITR) National Veterinary Research Institute Quarters in K/Vom Jos South LGA of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this court did commit an offense by voluntarily causing or grievously inflicting harm by dangerous means when you used hot groundnut oil and poured it on her buttocks and other parts of her body when you were with Margret Joshua (now deceased). You thereby committed the above offense,” the charges read.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court granted the oral application of the prosecution, and the matter was adjourned to January 19, 2023, for the prosecution to prove its case.

Related Topics:11-year-old Court house help

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Digital Storytelling Takes Centre Stage at 2026 EU-NFI Students Film Festival Finale

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

PlateauReports

JOS, PLATEAU STATE — Student creativity and digital storytelling took centre stage in Jos as the 2nd edition of the European Union–National Film Institute (EU-NFI) Students Film Festival came to a colourful close on September 29, 2026.

The two-day festival, organised by the National Film Institute (NFI) in partnership with the European Union (EU), brought together emerging filmmakers, film students, industry professionals and stakeholders for screenings, masterclasses and competitive showcases aimed at developing the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers.

The event provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creative abilities while exploring the role of film and digital storytelling in documenting Nigerian experiences, culture and contemporary realities.

EU Ambassador Applauds Students’ Creativity

Speaking at the festival finale, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, described the students’ creative output as impressive and expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s film industry.

Mignot highlighted the important role of the National Film Institute in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, noting that initiatives such as the students’ film festival align with the European Union’s priorities in youth empowerment, education, culture and strengthening EU-Nigeria relations.

He also commended the leadership of the Institute, particularly the Rector, for his commitment to the students and for fostering a relationship built around creativity, mentorship and learning.

Ali Nuhu: Festival Is More Than Competition

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Ali Nuhu, described the festival as more than a platform for competition.

According to him, the initiative provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and become cultural ambassadors who can use film to tell stories that reflect Nigeria’s identity and diversity.

He called for sustained investment in skills development, education and learning opportunities for young people seeking careers in the creative industry.

NFI Announces Winners

The Rector of the National Film Institute, Prof. Pomak Frank Tengya, expressed the Institute’s readiness to continue supporting young filmmakers and assured participants that the institution would host the 2027 edition of the festival.

He subsequently announced the winners in the various competition categories.

Each of the top prize winners received ₦100,000.

The winners include:

Best Sound: Rev Kola — Osakpolo Arthur
Best Documentary: Carrying a Legacy — Badung Chuhwak
Best Animation: Coming Home — Habibi Risku
Best Cinematography: Dusk Till Dawn — Longtong Tamg’an
Best Director: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani
Best Short Film: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani

Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani emerged as one of the biggest winners of the festival, taking home awards for both Best Director and Best Short Film.

Nurturing the Next Generation

The festival further demonstrated the potential of film education and practical creative opportunities in nurturing young talents and strengthening Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

With students taking centre stage as writers, directors, cinematographers, animators and storytellers, the EU-NFI Students Film Festival provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to gain exposure, learn from industry professionals and connect with fellow creatives.

As the National Film Institute looks ahead to the 2027 edition, the festival continues to position Jos as an important centre for film education, creativity and digital storytelling in Nigeria.

Jos Events | Connecting Jos. Promoting Events. Supporting Local Businesses.

Business

Airtel Money sets IPO price at £1.96 per share, targets £5.3bn valuation

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

PlateauReports

Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (Airtel Money), the mobile money business of Airtel Africa, has set the offer price for its planned initial public offering (IPO) at £1.96 per share, implying an estimated market capitalisation of £5.3 billion ($7.0 billion) at admission.

Airtel Africa disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying Airtel Money intends to list its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, with admission currently expected on 14 October.

The planned listing followed Airtel Africa’s announcement on 23 September of its intention to undertake an IPO for Airtel Money, which operates mobile money services across several African markets.

Listing offer

Under the offer, certain existing shareholders of Airtel Money are expected to sell 270 million existing shares. Also, an additional 27 million shares may be sold if the over-allotment option is fully exercised.

Airtel Africa said it does not expect to sell its existing Airtel Money shares in the offer, except pursuant to the over-allotment option.

The telco said it would remain a “long-term strategic shareholder” in Airtel Money and support the business as it moves into its next phase as an independently listed company.

Based on current indications from existing shareholders, approximately 16.5 per cent of Airtel Money’s issued ordinary share capital is expected to be held in public hands if the over-allotment option is not exercised.

This could rise to approximately 17.5 per cent if the maximum additional shares are sold, according to Airtel Africa.

Airtel Money expects the level of public ownership to make it eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK indices.

The company said it intends to apply for admission of its ordinary shares to the equity shares category of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and for trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.

Airtel Money said further details of the offer would be contained in its prospectus, which it said would be made available on Airtel Money’s IPO website, subject to applicable access restrictions, on Thursday.

READ ALSO: What Dangote IPO signals – NGX Chairman

Airtel Africa has been planning to spin off its mobile money business from its core telecoms operations following the financial subsidiary’s performance in previous years.

Its mobile money unit, Airtel Money, logged a strong performance in 2025, recording $1.4 billion in turnover, more than one-third higher than what it reported a year before.

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Airtel Africa provides an integrated offer to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services, as well as mobile money services, both nationally and internationally.