AWKA: A 47-year-old woman accused of fatally flogging a 12-year-old schoolboy in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, has surrendered to the police after days of intense search by security operatives.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Dim Ebere, voluntarily reported to the Neni Police Station, bringing a temporary end to a manhunt launched by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad and officers attached to the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters.
Her surrender comes amid widespread public outrage over the death of the young pupil, an incident that has reignited conversations about child protection, corporal punishment and the responsibilities of caregivers and community members.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where detectives will continue a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
Ikenga explained that Mrs. Ebere turned herself in following sustained efforts by police investigators and growing cooperation from members of the Adazi-Ani community.
He commended traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for supporting law enforcement agencies during the search for the suspect.
According to him, the collaboration between the community and the police contributed significantly to the suspect’s decision to surrender.
The police spokesman assured the bereaved family that the command would conduct a thorough, transparent and professional investigation to establish the facts surrounding the tragic incident.
He stressed that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Ikenga also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, urging anyone with useful information to continue assisting investigators.
“We assure the family of the deceased and members of the public that justice will take its course. We urge everyone to remain peaceful while investigations continue, he said.
The incident was reported last week after police officers responded to a distress call involving the 12-year-old boy.
The child was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention but was pronounced dead by doctors shortly after arrival.
Police have since deposited the boy’s remains in a hospital morgue, where an autopsy is expected to determine the precise cause of death and provide further medical evidence for investigators.
Authorities say detectives will examine witness statements, medical findings and other available evidence as part of efforts to establish exactly what transpired before the boy’s death.
The outcome of the investigation will determine any criminal charges that may be filed.
The case has attracted significant public attention across Anambra State, with many residents calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased child.
Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted professionally and that due process is followed throughout the legal proceedings.
