A 35-year-old businesswoman, Edith Nwachukwu, has been apprehended by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly assaulting her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.
Nwachukwu was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, January 21, 2025, by officers from the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters following the rescue of the victim at Relief Market, Owerri.
The incident reportedly began when the suspect accused Kelechi of stealing her money.
An Imo-based journalist and founder of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, along with concerned traders, alerted the police after learning about the abuse.
Their swift action led to the girl’s rescue and the suspect’s subsequent arrest.
According to Okeoma, some traders intervened and forcefully rescued the girl from the businesswoman, who had inflicted injuries on her and was allegedly planning to purchase ten more canes for further punishment.
“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,” Okeoma recounted.
“The woman said she was angry, which is why she battered the minor. The girl revealed she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State.”
Okeoma also emphasized his foundation’s commitment to seeking justice for the victim, stating, “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 for the State Police Command, SP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and reiterated the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma’s, firm stance against child abuse and other criminal acts.
Okoye added, “An investigation into the matter has already commenced.”
