The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody a 29-year-old female suspect, Edeh Osinachi, for allegedly abusing and inflicting serious injuries on a 17-year-old girl said to be her house help in Awka.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police received the suspect from the Anambra State Ministry of Education on Tuesday, February 3, 2025.

Ikenga said the action was part of the command’s continued commitment to the welfare and safety of students and pupils in the state.

He added that the suspect allegedly used a hot pressing iron on the victim as a form of punishment, noting that during interrogation by the police, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act.

He said, “As part of the continuous commitment to the welfare and safety of students and pupils in the state, the Anambra State Police Command received a 29-year-old female suspect, Mrs Edeh Osinachi, from the Anambra State Ministry of Education.

“The suspect allegedly abused and inflicted serious injuries on a 17-year-old girl said to be her house help in Awka.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that officials of the school, during a teaching session, noticed severe injuries on her body and immediately made enquiries.

“During the interaction with the victim, she disclosed that the injuries were inflicted on her by her guardian because she used her guardian’s phone to make calls without her permission.

“According to the victim, Mrs Osinachi, angered by the act, allegedly used a hot pressing iron on her as a form of punishment. During interrogation by the police, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act.”

Ikenga commended the vigilance of the school authorities and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that justice would be served in accordance with the law.

“The command also urges parents to give birth to the number of children they can train, to avoid leaving them vulnerable to abuse while in the care of others,” the statement concluded.

Despite widespread condemnation and police intervention against domestic abuse in recent years, Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of violence against children, including physical and emotional abuse.

Studies indicate that poverty, large family sizes, and the common practice of placing underage girls in domestic service exacerbate children’s exposure to violence before the age of 18.

The ongoing investigation into the incident reinforces the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding minors and ensuring that perpetrators face justice under relevant statutes.