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A 35-year-old businesswoman, Edith Nwachukwu, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly assaulting her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke, in Owerri, the state capital.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at the popular Relief Market, where traders and concerned citizens reportedly intervened to rescue the injured girl. Nwachukwu is accused of battering the minor over allegations that she stole money from her.
Witnesses and Rescue Efforts
Chidiebube Okeoma, an Imo-based journalist and founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, said he was alerted to the situation and promptly contacted the police. He revealed that traders at the market forcefully intervened after the woman had reportedly inflicted severe injuries on the girl and was attempting to purchase more canes to continue the beating.
“The traders were instrumental in saving the girl from further harm. When I was informed, I contacted the Divisional Police Officer, who immediately deployed officers to the scene. The girl was taken to the hospital for treatment because of the extent of her injuries,” Okeoma explained.
He continued, “At the police station, the woman admitted to beating the girl but claimed she was angry because of the alleged theft. The minor, however, denied the accusation and revealed she hails from Amaeke Adam in Abia State.”
Commitment to Justice
Okeoma vowed that his organization would pursue justice for the victim and ensure that cases of child abuse in the state are not ignored.
“This kind of inhumane treatment must stop. Child battering is a serious crime, and we will follow this case to its conclusion to ensure the law takes its full course. This should serve as a warning to anyone who abuses children,” he said.
Police Response
Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest and stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has zero tolerance for child abuse and other crimes.
Okoye said, “The suspect is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation is ongoing. The Commissioner of Police has made it clear that acts of violence against children and other vulnerable groups will not be tolerated.”
The victim is receiving medical attention in Owerri, and authorities have assured the public that justice will be served.
