A 75-year-old grandmother in Ebonyi State is cooling her heels in a police cell for allegedly flogging and pouring pepper into the eyes and private parts of her 11-year-old home help.
Policemen arrested the septuagenarian, one Mrs Comfort Obi, in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Tuesday.
WuzupNigeria gathered that the abuse meted on the home help was reported at the Ekumenyi Police Station in Abakaliki by a concerned neighbour, one Mr Osita Ezechukwu.
“The suspect had been cautioned repeatedly to desist from torturing the girl. Apart from flogging her, the woman also subjects the girl to hard labour,” Ezechukwu stated.
The victim’s body bore the scars of repeated flogging by Obi.
WuzupNigeria gathered that the victim, a native of Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, was brought by her aunt to live with Mrs Obi on Gunning Road, Abakaliki, some 12 months ago.
Investigation revealed that the victim’s mother was dead and her four siblings currently live with their father, who has a vision impairment.
“My madam usually invites touts to flog me whenever I commit any offence and pour pepper into my private parts and eyes. This latest incident was because I was hungry and I took her biscuits and fruit juice,” the victim said.
Obi, however, said,
“Although I regret my actions, I sought the permission of the girl’s auntie before I poured pepper into her private parts and eyes.”
The state police command confirmed the incident and Obi’s arrest on Wednesday.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs Loveth Odah, said the suspect had been arrested and admitted to bail.
“The child has been treated and reunited with her family members. The suspect will be arraigned after the fight against COVID-19 is over,” she stated.
