A 35-year-old businesswoman, Edith Nwachukwu, has been arrested by the police in Imo State for allegedly assaulting her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.
The arrest took place on the evening of Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the popular Relief Market in Owerri, following the intervention of operatives from the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters.
Reports indicate that Nwachukwu accused the young girl of stealing her money. Concerned traders, along with Imo-based journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, alerted the police after witnessing the abuse.
Okeoma revealed that some traders had forcibly rescued the girl from the suspect, who had inflicted severe injuries on her and was reportedly about to purchase more canes to continue the assault.
The police promptly intervened, rescuing the minor and taking her to a hospital in Owerri for treatment due to the severity of her injuries.
“When I was informed, I immediately contacted the DPO. Thanks to the traders who intervened and involved the police. At the station, the woman, who later begged for forgiveness, claimed her house help had stolen her money—an accusation the girl denied,” Okeoma said.
He added, “The woman admitted she was angry, which led to the assault. The girl disclosed she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State. Our organization, Stand for Humanity Foundation, is committed to ensuring justice in this case. Child battering is a crime, and we will continue to fight against such inhumane acts.”
SP Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident, emphasizing that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of crime.
Okoye also assured the public that an investigation into the matter is underway.
