A 38-year old and resident of Uruala village in Ideato North Area of Imo State, Juliet Igwe, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command for alleged torturing of a 7-year-old minor.
The minor, identified as Onyinyechi, who is her husband’s niece, was abandoned by her biological mother at birth.
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The apprehension of Igwe was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, Okoye Henry, on Saturday.
Henry stated that the suspect was arrested following a report received by the command.
“The arrest followed reports received by the Command from concerned neighbours regarding the disturbing condition of the child, who was found with multiple injuries and severe burns allegedly inflicted by the suspect,” he said.
The statement further explained “the suspect revealed that she subjected the victim to prolonged physical abuse, deeping her hands in boiling water and severely burning her whole body with melted candle wax, including her private regions, claiming that she stole her food, provisions and money.:
According to the police, upon rescue, the child was immediately taken to Federal Medical Center in Owerri, where she is currently receiving specialised treatment.
While medical personnel have confirmed that the injuries are significant, the child is responding to treatment.
However, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemns the act, describing it as “a disturbing show of cruelty against a helpless minor.”
He reassures the public that the Command remains fully committed to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
