A 35-year-old businesswoman, identified as Edith Nwachukwu, has been arrested by the police in Imo State for 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 from her at the popular Relief Market in Owerri, the state capital.
The Nigerian Tribune learnt that the woman, who is now in police custody, had accused the minor of stealing her money.
An Imo-based journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, who is the founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, along with some traders, alerted the police when informed about the situation. The police promptly intervened, rescuing the minor and arresting the suspect.
Okeoma stated that some traders forcefully rescued the child from the businesswoman, who had inflicted injuries on the girl and was reportedly about to procure ten more canes to use on her.
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He revealed that operatives of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters had taken the girl to a hospital in Owerri for treatment, as her injuries were severe. The suspect remains in custody.
He said, “When I was informed, I quickly alerted the DPO. Thanks to some traders who rescued the minor and also involved the police. At the police station, the woman, who later pleaded for mercy, alleged that her house help had stolen her money, an accusation the girl denied.
“The woman said she was angry, which is why she battered the minor. The girl revealed she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State.”
Okeoma added, “Our organization, Stand for Humanity Foundation, is deeply interested in this case, and we will ensure justice is served. This should serve as a deterrent to others who dehumanize children. Child battering is a crime, and we will continue to push until such acts are eradicated.”
When contacted, the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Henry Okoye, stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has zero tolerance for child battering and all forms of crime.
Okoye disclosed that an investigation into the matter has already commenced.
