Police in Anambra State have arrested a 32-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, over the alleged brutal abuse of her seven-year-old daughter in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The child, Oluebube Ofoma, was reportedly rescued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after community security personnel from Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents intervened following reports of the alleged abuse.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Ikenga, the command received a report on the evening of September 13 concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries sustained by the girl.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the child had allegedly suffered severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife.
Following the intervention, the girl was rescued from further danger, while her mother was arrested and police immediately commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has also intervened in the matter and directed collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to ensure that the victim receives urgent medical attention, protection and necessary welfare support.
The police commissioner commended members of the Ibollo Community security team and residents for their vigilance and prompt intervention, which he said helped prevent further harm to the child and enabled the immediate commencement of police action.
The command assured that the investigation would be thorough, professional and uncompromising, stressing that the safety, welfare and best interests of the child remained its priority.
It further assured the public that it would continue to work with relevant agencies to protect vulnerable persons and ensure that anyone found culpable in connection with the alleged abuse faces the full consequences of the law.
The incident occurred barely four days after the Anambra State Police Command arrested another woman, 36-year-old Anulika Onyeanusia, in connection with an alleged child pornography case in Onitsha.
The command said investigations into both incidents would continue as it steps up efforts to protect children and other vulnerable persons across the state.
