The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old woman, identified as Nwoko Gift, from Imo State, over the alleged attempted murder of her 12-year-old niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, following a disturbing incident captured in a viral video.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the suspect will be charged in court for attempted murder after the conclusion of investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In a statement by the Command, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on July 5 at the suspect’s residence in IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia.
The police alleged that the suspect, who is the child’s aunt and guardian, armed herself with a kitchen knife and allegedly attempted to kill the girl after she failed to spread clothes before the woman left for the market.
Investigators further disclosed that the suspect had allegedly subjected the minor to repeated physical abuse and had, on several occasions, threatened to kill her.
The incident gained widespread attention after a video showing the woman holding a knife against the frightened child circulated on social media, prompting public outrage and calls for swift intervention.
DSP Chinaka said officers from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia acted promptly on actionable intelligence, stormed the residence, rescued the victim unharmed, arrested the suspect and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used during the incident.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation, and the suspect will be charged in court for attempted murder upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police spokesperson stated.
The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children, and urged residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal acts to the nearest police station.
The victim is currently under police protection while investigations continue.
