The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Juliet Igwe, for allegedly burning the private parts of her six-year-old maid, Onyinyechi, with candlelight.
She was also accused of pouring hot water on the child, which peeled off the skin on both hands, and leaving more burns on her body.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the arrest followed intelligence reports received by operatives of the Ideato North Division.
He described the act as despicable and unacceptable, noting that the suspect would face prosecution once investigations are completed. He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, had directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State CID to take over the matter.
Okoye also praised activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, founder of Stand For Humanity Foundation, for alerting authorities and taking responsibility for the child’s medical and welfare needs.
During an interview, the suspect admitted to inflicting the injuries but claimed she did not know the candle wax and hot water would cause serious harm. She alleged that the child stole meat from her pot and said she intended to prevent future behaviour.
Okeoma explained that his foundation rescued the girl from Uruala community in Ideato North and assisted the police in facilitating the arrest. He confirmed that the minor is receiving treatment at the Imo State University Medical Centre.
He also thanked Dr Uche Ewelike, Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, for approving free medical care for the child, and commended the Commissioner of Police for promptly ordering the transfer of the case to the State CID for proper investigation.
