The Anambra State Police Command has arrested Ogechi Ofoma, 32, for allegedly assaulting and injuring her seven-year-old daughter at Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The seven-year-old, named Oluebube, was allegedly hurt with a hot knife after being accused of taking meat from a pot.
According to reports, police apprehended the suspect on Sunday in coordination with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. She is still in jail at the Awada Police Station, awaiting further investigation.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the occurrence in a statement issued on Monday, saying the culprit was apprehended thanks to the vigilance, courage, and public-spirited intervention of community security personnel and people.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged brutal abuse of a seven-year-old girl in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Command received a report in the evening of September 13, 2026, concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries involving Oluebube Ofoma, aged seven.
“The prompt intervention of security personnel from the Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother, Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, 32.
“Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.”
Meanwhile, CP Nnanna Ama, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra State Command, has begun working with the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives immediate and adequate medical care, protection, and other essential welfare support.
“The Command commends the vigilance, courage, and public-spirited intervention of the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents whose swift action helped save the child from further harm and enabled the immediate commencement of police action.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, professional, and uncompromising. “The welfare, safety, and best interests of the child remain paramount, and the Command will continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
Also reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, condemned the incident, describing the alleged act as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child. Nyekesi commended the police for their prompt response and swift arrest of the suspect, noting that effective collaboration between security agencies and social welfare authorities remained crucial to addressing cases involving vulnerable persons.
She emphasized the commitment of the state government, under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to creating a safer environment where children could grow free from violence and other forms of exploitation, warning that persons found culpable of violating the rights of children would face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner also urged neighbors to be cautious and report any suspected cases of maltreatment, molestation, neglect, or other dangers to children’s safety to the right authorities.
She assured people that the state will continue to improve its protective interventions and collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the rights, dignity, and well-being of women and children in Anambra.
