Enugu arrests stepmother over death of nine-year-old girl

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The Enugu State Government on Monday announced the arrest of Mrs. Ogechi John for the alleged killing of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John.

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In a statement published on Governor Peter Mbah’s WhatsApp media platform, Mrs. John was identified as an indigene of Oderiko in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

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According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on Monday morning by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force following the death of the child, who was reportedly beaten to death at their residence in Nchatancha, Emene, Enugu East Local Government Area.

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The statement cited neighbours as saying the incident occurred around 3pm on Sunday.

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They also alleged that the late Amanda had been subjected to constant and ruthless maltreatment by the suspect prior to the incident.

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Reacting, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, said the government would ensure the suspect faces the full weight of the law.

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“It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. We swung into action immediately upon learning of this tragedy to ensure the suspect was arrested,” Enih stated.

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The Commissioner said the government would not stop at the arrest but would monitor the legal process.

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She added, “We will be pressing for a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done really fast. Nobody should take another’s life, and certainly not the life of any child in Enugu State. We condemn it in totality.”

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The state government reiterated its commitment to the protection of minors, warning that anyone found guilty of child abuse or violence would be prosecuted.

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The suspect remains in police custody while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death continue.

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The report did not indicate the police division that effected the arrest or where she is being detained.

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