The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka has ordered the remand of a couple in a correction centre for allegedly employing five underage girls for prostitution.

The couple, Okechukwu Okonkwo, 36 and his 39-year-old wife, Ekpereamaka Okonkwo, are natives of Mbanagwu village in Otolo Nnewi, Anambra.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

They are facing a nine-count charge of official corruption, prevention of course of justice and procurement of five underage girls for prostitution.

Chief Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe ordered the defendants remanded in prison custody in Awka and Onitsha, respectively.

Mr Osakwe adjourned the case until July 12 for a ruling on the bail application.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Onyema Anyaogu, told the court that the defendants committed the offences at their brothel in Oba, Idemili South LGA of Anambra.

(NAN)