The Imo State Police Command has arrested 38-year-old businesswoman Juliet Igwe for allegedly inflicting severe injuries on her six-year-old female maid, Onyinyechi, using candlelight.
Apart from targeting the minor’s private parts, Igwe reportedly poured hot water on the child’s hands and used candle wax to burn her body.
Parading the suspect at the Command headquarters in Owerri, the State Police Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the arrest followed intelligence received by operatives of the Ideato North Police Divisional Headquarters.
Okoye also commended Stand for Human Rights Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, for alerting the police and assisting in the suspect’s arrest.
Describing the act as “despicable and totally unacceptable,” Okoye disclosed that Igwe would face court proceedings once investigations are concluded.
He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, is unhappy with the incident and has directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department to thoroughly investigate and charge the suspect to court.
When interviewed, Igwe admitted responsibility for her actions, telling journalists:
“I didn’t know that the use of candle wax and boiled water on the girl was going to cause grievous harm to her.”
She accused the child of stealing meat from her pot and claimed:
“I only battered her so as to forestall future reoccurrence.”
Commenting on the incident, Okeoma revealed that his foundation reported the child abuse in Uruala Community, Ideato North LGA, to the police.
He said his organization not only rescued the child but also assisted in arresting the suspect.
“This wickedness is not tolerated in a sane society like ours and should be condemned.
We have taken over the medical and welfare packages of the minor.”
“We have taken her to the Imo State University Medical Centre in Owerri for proper medical investigations and treatments.
“We thank the Executive Secretary of the State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Uche Ewelike, for expressively approving complete free medical care for the minor, owing to the urgency of her condition.
“Also, we thank the Commissioner of Police for immediately ordering the transfer of the matter to the State CID in Owerri for speedy investigation,” Okeoma said.
