Anambra mother arrested for brutalising seven-year-old daughter

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly inflicting bodily injuries on her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube, in the Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

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Oluebube was allegedly injured with a hot knife after she was accused of taking meat from a pot.

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The suspect was arrested on Sunday by police operatives in collaboration with officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

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She is currently being held at the Awada Police Station, pending further investigation.

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Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the child was rescued following the intervention of community security personnel and residents.

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Ikenga said the command received a report of the alleged abuse and severe bodily injuries inflicted on the child on the evening of September 13, 2026.

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He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged brutal abuse of a seven-year-old girl in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area and has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

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“The prompt intervention of security personnel from the Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, 32.

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“Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.”

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Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, had commenced collaboration with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim received urgent medical care, protection and other necessary welfare support.

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He commended the community security personnel and residents for their “vigilance, courage and public-spirited intervention”, which he said helped save the child from further harm and facilitated police action.

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“The Anambra State Police Command assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, professional, and uncompromising.

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“The welfare, safety, and best interests of the child remain paramount, and the command will continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

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Also reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.

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Onyekesi commended the police for their prompt response and the arrest of the suspect, noting that effective collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities was crucial in addressing cases involving vulnerable persons.

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She reaffirmed the commitment of the state government, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to creating a safe environment where children could grow free from violence and exploitation.

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The commissioner warned that anyone found culpable of violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.

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She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse, molestation, neglect or other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.

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Onyekesi assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen its protective interventions and work with relevant agencies to safeguard the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children across the state.

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