Police arrest businesswoman for assaulting 13-year-old house help in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old businesswoman, Edith Nwachukwu, for allegedly battering her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke, at the Relief Market in Owerri, the state capital.

Operatives from the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended the suspect following an emergency call from concerned traders and a human rights activist, Chidiebube Okeoma, founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation.

Nwachukwu accused the minor of stealing her money, an allegation the young girl denied. Traders at the scene intervened to rescue the girl, who had sustained multiple injuries inflicted by her employer. Police officers responded promptly, rescuing the child and arresting Nwachukwu.

The victim was taken to a hospital in Owerri for urgent medical attention due to the severity of her injuries. The suspect is currently in police custody.

Speaking about the incident, Okeoma stated that he was alerted by traders who witnessed the assault. He immediately contacted the police, who acted swiftly to protect the minor and arrest the suspect.

During interrogation at the police station, the suspect admitted to assaulting the girl, citing anger over the alleged theft as her reason for the abuse. She pleaded for leniency.

The Stand for Humanity Foundation has pledged to ensure justice is served in the case, emphasizing the need for accountability to deter others from engaging in child abuse.

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest and stated that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child battering and all forms of abuse. Okoye added that an investigation into the matter is underway.