The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that a 35-year-old woman, Nwoko Gift, will be charged to court for attempted murder after she was allegedly caught threatening her 12-year-old niece with a kitchen knife in Umuahia.
The suspect, an indigene of Imo State residing at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, was arrested after a disturbing video of the incident circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Command disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the incident occurred on July 5, 2026.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly attacked the minor, identified as Miss Ebo Chimamanda, because the girl failed to hang clothes out to dry before the woman left for the market.
Investigators further uncovered what they described as a pattern of abuse, alleging that the suspect had repeatedly assaulted and threatened to kill the child on previous occasions.
Acting on credible intelligence, officers attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia responded swiftly to the scene, rescued the victim and arrested the suspect without incident.
Police also recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in threatening the child during the operation.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
The Command stated that Nwoko Gift remains in police custody and will be formally arraigned on charges of attempted murder once investigations are concluded.
The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society, particularly children, and warned that anyone found engaging in domestic violence or child abuse would face the full weight of the law.
The incident has generated widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians calling for justice for the young victim and stronger measures to protect children from abuse and violence within their homes.
