A 35 year old businesswoman named Edith Nwachukwu is presently in the custody of the Imo State Police Command for battering her 13 year old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday evening by operatives of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police headquarters after the child was rescued from her by neighbors at the Relief Market Owerri.
A reliable source who spoke to our reporter said the woman accused the child of stealing her money.
It was gathered that some public spirited individuals, including notable journalists and Founder of Stand for Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, alerted the police who came and picked the minor and also arrested the suspect.
Our source further stated that some traders forcefully rescued the child from the woman who had inflicted severe injuries on her.
“Okeoma said men of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police headquarters have arrested the woman and the minor rescued. The child was taken to a hospital in Owerri as the injury was severe. The suspect was detained.
“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 latter pleaded for mercy said her house help stole her money, an allegation the girl denied. She said she was angry that was why she battered the minor. The girl said she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia state.
“Our organization, Stand For Humanity Foundation, is interested in this matter and we will ensure justice is served to further serve as a deterrent to people who dehumanize children. Child battering is a crime. We will continue to push until people stop it”.
The spokesperson for the Police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had zero tolerance for child battering and all forms of crimes.
Okoye, disclosed that investigation into the matter had commenced by the police in the state”.
