Anambra woman arrested over alleged hot-knife abuse of seven-year-old daughter

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, for allegedly subjecting her seven-year-old daughter to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.

The incident occurred in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, identified as Oluebube Ofoma, was allegedly assaulted after her mother accused her of taking meat from a cooking pot.

The child was reportedly rescued after community security personnel and residents intervened and alerted the police. The incident was reported to the command on Sunday evening, September 13, 2026.

Confirming the arrest on Monday, the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was arrested in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Ikenga said preliminary information indicated that the child suffered severe physical abuse, with some injuries allegedly inflicted with a hot knife.

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“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,” he said.

The suspect is currently being detained at Awada Police Station while investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has commenced collaboration with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, to ensure that the child receives urgent medical attention, protection and appropriate welfare support.

The police commended the Ibollo community security personnel and residents for their intervention, saying their prompt action helped prevent further harm to the child.

The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly, with the safety and best interests of the child remaining paramount.

Onyekesi also condemned the alleged incident, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.

She commended the police for their swift response and stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies, communities and social welfare authorities in protecting vulnerable children.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment under Governor Chukwuma Soludo to protecting children and creating a safer environment for them.

She warned that anyone found culpable of violating children’s rights would face the full weight of the law.

Onyekesi further urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, maltreatment, molestation, neglect or any other threat to children’s safety to the relevant authorities.