Abia Police to arraign woman for attempted murder over alleged knife attack on 12-year-old niece

The Abia State Police Command says it will arraign a 35-year-old woman, Nwoko Gift, on a charge of attempted murder following the alleged knife attack on her 12-year-old niece at their residence in Umuahia.

The suspect, an indigene of Imo State residing at the IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, was arrested after a video of the assault circulated on social media, sparking widespread public outrage.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the command said the incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked her niece, Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife after the girl failed to hang clothes out to dry before she left for the market.

The command said officers attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters responded swiftly after receiving information about the incident. They rescued the child, arrested the suspect and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.

Police further disclosed that investigations uncovered a pattern of abuse against the victim.

“Investigation also revealed that the suspect has repeatedly beaten and threatened to kill young Miss Chimamanda,” DSP Chinaka said.

The victim has been placed in safe custody and is receiving the necessary care, while the suspect remains in police custody.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia for further investigation and prosecution.

The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting children and combating domestic violence, stressing that anyone found culpable of abusing minors would face the full weight of the law.

The police added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.