NEWS
Abia Police Arrests Woman Over Alleged Attempt to Kill 12-Year-Old Niece in Umuahia
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Gift Nwoko, over the alleged attempted murder of her 12-year-old niece, an incident that drew widespread public outrage after a video related to the case went viral on social media.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, July 6, 2026 by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who disclosed that the suspect, an indigene of Ehimembano in Imo State and a resident of IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, is currently in police custody while investigations continue.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on July 5, 2026, when the suspect allegedly attempted to stab her niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife after the young girl reportedly failed to spread clothes as instructed before the suspect left for the market.
The police further revealed that findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that the victim, who resides with the suspect, had allegedly endured repeated physical abuse and threats to her life before the latest incident.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia swiftly responded to the distress situation, rescued the 12-year-old victim, arrested the suspect, and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
The Abia State Police Command stated that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be arraigned in court on charges of attempted murder.
Condemning the alleged attack, the Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against all forms of violence, abuse, and cruelty, particularly those involving children. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence, and other criminal activities to the nearest police station to enable swift intervention and protect vulnerable members of society.