Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old businesswoman, Edith Nwachukwu, for battering her 13-year-old house help, Kelechi Ejieke.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday evening by operatives of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters after the minor was rescued from her at the popular Relief Market in Owerri, the state capital.

The woman, now detained by the police, accused the minor of stealing her money, according to activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, who was present at the police station.

Okeoma, founder of Stand for Humanity Foundation, stated that he and some traders alerted the police, who subsequently rescued the minor and arrested the suspect.

Okeoma said that some traders forcefully intervened to rescue the child from the woman’s grip.

Okeoma stated: “Men of the Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested the woman, and the minor has been rescued. The child was taken to a hospital in Owerri as the injuries were severe. The suspect has been detained.

“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, said her house help stole her money—an allegation the girl denied. She claimed she was angry, which led her to batter the minor. The girl said she is from Amaeke Adam in Abia State.

“Our organisation, Stand for Humanity Foundation, is interested in this matter, and we will ensure justice is served to further act as a deterrent to people who dehumanize children. Child battering is a crime, and we will continue to push until people stop it.”

The spokesperson for the Police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has zero tolerance for child battering and all forms of crimes.

Okoye disclosed that an investigation into the matter had commenced. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)