Anambra Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Hot-Knife Assault on Seven-Year-Old Daughter

Police in Anambra State have taken a 32-year-old woman, Ogechi Ofoma, into custody over the alleged brutalisation of her seven-year-old daughter, Oluebube, in Ibollo community, Awada-Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The child was reportedly left with serious bodily injuries after allegedly being assaulted with a hot knife following an accusation that she took meat from a cooking pot.

Ofoma was arrested on Sunday after community security personnel and residents intervened and rescued the child. Officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare subsequently joined the police in responding to the case.

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

The state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the command received information about the alleged abuse and injuries on the evening of September 13, 2026.

Ikenga 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 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.”

According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Ama, had begun working with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to secure immediate medical treatment and protection for the child.

The collaboration is also expected to ensure that the victim receives the necessary welfare and psychosocial support as the investigation progresses.

Ikenga praised the Ibollo community security personnel and residents for what he described as their “vigilance, courage and public-spirited intervention”, saying their actions helped prevent the child from suffering further harm and enabled the police to intervene.

He assured the public that the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault would be thoroughly investigated.

“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.

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, also condemned the alleged assault, describing it as “inhumane and a gross violation” of the rights and dignity of a child.

Onyekesi praised the police for their swift intervention and the arrest of the suspect, stressing that cooperation between law enforcement agencies and social welfare authorities remained essential in protecting vulnerable children.

She said the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, remained committed to providing an environment where children could grow without being exposed to violence, abuse or exploitation.

The commissioner warned that perpetrators of violations against children would be prosecuted and made to face the full consequences of the law.

She also called on members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, molestation, neglect and other threats to children’s safety to the appropriate authorities.

Onyekesi further assured residents that the government would continue to strengthen its child-protection mechanisms and collaborate with relevant agencies to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children across Anambra State.