From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The police in Imo State have arrested a 35-year-old businesswoman, identified as Edith Nwachukwu, for allegedly battering her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.
The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday evening by operatives of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters after the minor was rescued at the popular Relief Market in Owerri, the state capital.
An activist journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, who was present at the police station, disclosed that the woman accused the minor of stealing her money.
Okeoma, the founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, explained that he and some traders alerted the police, who subsequently rescued the minor and detained the suspect.
According to Okeoma:
“Some traders forcefully rescued the child from the businesswoman, who had inflicted injuries on her and ordered more than ten pieces of cane to use on the girl.
“Men of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested the woman, and the minor has been rescued. The child was taken to a hospital in Owerri due to the severity of the injuries. The suspect was detained.
“When I was informed, I quickly alerted the DPO. Thanks to the traders who intervened and involved the police. At the station, the woman, who later pleaded for mercy, alleged that her house help stole her money—an allegation the girl denied. She said she acted out of anger.
“The girl revealed that she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State. Our organisation, Stand for Humanity Foundation, is interested in this matter, and we will ensure justice is served to deter others from dehumanising children. Child battering is a crime, and we will continue to push until it stops,” Okeoma stated.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, affirmed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, maintains zero tolerance for child battering and all forms of crime.