Abia Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Attempted Murder of 12-Year-Old Niece

Abia Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Attempted Murder of 12-Year-Old Niece

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Nwoko Gift, for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, at their residence in IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia.

The Command disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Ehime mbano in Imo State but resides in Umuahia, was apprehended following a viral video on social media showing a woman allegedly attempting to attack a young girl with a kitchen knife.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the incident occurred on July 5, 2026, when the suspect allegedly attempted to stab the girl because she failed to spread clothes before the suspect left for the market.

The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, who lives with her aunt, had allegedly been subjected to repeated physical abuse and threats to her life prior to the incident.

The statement added that operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, acted on actionable intelligence, swiftly moved to the scene, rescued the 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 further investigation.

The Command stated that the suspect would be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of investigations.
Condemning the incident, the Abia State Police Command warned members of the public against acts of violence and abuse, stressing that offenders would be made to face the full weight of the law.

The police also urged residents to promptly report suspected cases of domestic violence, child abuse, or other criminal activities to the nearest police station, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.