The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned a 29-year-old mother of two, Mrs. Chisom Okonkwo, for allegedly making false claims that her husband, Mr. Ozioma Okonkwo, defiled their two daughters.

The case followed a viral social media post on November 5, in which Mrs. Okonkwo accused her husband of sexually assaulting their children and threatening to kill her if she spoke out. The post generated widespread reactions before police investigations revealed that the allegations were unfounded.

According to court documents, Mr. Okonkwo denied the allegations and requested legal representation before making any statement to the police.

Medical reports later confirmed that the children were not defiled, and during interrogation, they reportedly confessed that their mother instructed them to lie against their father.

The charge sheet states that Mrs. Okonkwo committed defamation and provided false information to the police, leading to her husband’s arrest and detention. The first count reads that she “defamed the character of one Okonkwo Ozioma … by shouting in public that he defiled [her] two daughters,” contrary to Section 323 and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

The second count accuses her of knowingly giving false information to detectives, punishable under Section 154(1)(a)&(b) of the same law.

Under Nigerian law, making false accusations of sexual assault carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for offences such as perjury, defamation, and public mischief. Legal experts also note that individuals falsely accused may pursue civil actions for damages to their reputation.

The case highlights growing concerns over false allegations made through social media and their potential impact on genuine victims of abuse. The court has since ordered that Mrs. Okonkwo remain in custody pending further hearing.

By Nkeiruka Onyeukwu