Couple suspected of torturing 10-yr-old released on bond

Police has released on bond, a couple accused of assaulting a 10-year-old girl and leaving her in a serious medical condition.

Middy Akello, an aunt to the girl and her husband James Opido, a LC1 chairperson from Olilim sub-county in Otuke district, were arrested last week and set free on Tuesday.

Paskal Ojede, 10, a P3 pupil of Barkeo Primary School in Otuke district was allegedly assaulted by the couple on June 13, 2020, for failure to perform the task given to her.

The girl, who is malnourished, missing a number of teeth and has gaping wound on the right arm and left elbow, with swollen limbs and stomach, was removed from assisted breathing after spending one month on it.

The child's father Geoffrey Okao says there is a slight improvement in her condition but the wound on the right hand is still serious.

The regional Police spokesperson Michael Odongo says the couple was released as they await a medical report on the condition of the child.

He says the state attorney advised that he needed a medical report on the file before he can act.

Odongo says the challenge is that the child is still in serious condition and medical officers advised that they can only file a medical report when her condition has improved.

"I wish to assure you that this case has not died, the suspects have been given Police bond," Odongo said.

"We are waiting for the Police form to be filled by the doctor and we resubmit the file to the State Attorney for legal advice."