The police in Imo State has arrested one Edith Nwachukwu (35)for battering her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.
TheNewsGuru reports that the operatives of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police headquarters nabbed the suspect on Tuesday evening, January 21, 2025, after the minor was rescued from her at the popular Relief Market in Owerri.
It was gathered that Nwachukwu had accused the minor of stealing her money.
According to an Imo-based journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, who is the founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, along with some traders, some traders had forcefully rescued the girl from the businesswoman, who had inflicted injuries on the girl and was reportedly about to procure ten more canes to use on her.
They immediately alerted the police, who promptly intervened, rescuing the minor and arresting the suspect.
Okeoma also disclosed 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.
“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,” he said.
“The woman said she was angry, which is why she battered the minor. The girl revealed she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State.”
“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.”
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has zero tolerance for child battering and all forms of crime.
Okoye added that an investigation into the matter has already commenced.