The Anambra State Government has pledged to prosecute a 29-year-old woman accused of torturing her teenage house help with a hot pressing iron in Awka.
The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made this known on Friday while addressing the suspect, Osinachi Ede, in her office in Awka. She vowed that the matter would be taken before a court of competent jurisdiction to ensure justice is served.
The suspect was arrested by the Anambra State Police Command on February 3 following allegations that she inflicted severe injuries on a 17-year-old student of Community Secondary School, Agulu Awka, who reportedly worked as her maid.
According to authorities, the suspect allegedly used a hot electric iron to punish the teenager. During interrogation, she was said to have confessed to the act.
Chuma-Udeh stressed that prosecuting the case would serve as a deterrent to others who engage in child abuse.
She directed that the victim, who had earlier been sent to stay with relatives, be returned to Awka, reaffirming the government’s commitment to child protection.
“The suspect will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction for brutalising the victim. This is to serve as a deterrent to others who might be engaging in such acts,” she said.
She added that the action reflects the resolve of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to safeguard the welfare and safety of children across the state’s schools.
“The interest of Mr Governor in this matter is to ensure that every child in Anambra is adequately protected from abuse,” she stated, warning that the full weight of the law would be applied against anyone found guilty of child maltreatment.
Earlier, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the command received the suspect from the Ministry of Education as part of ongoing efforts to protect students and pupils.
He reiterated that the suspect allegedly carried out the assault as punishment and reportedly admitted to the offence during questioning.
