The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Nwoko Gift, over the alleged attempted murder of her 12-year-old niece, following a viral video that triggered widespread outrage on social media.
The Command confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, and made available to ABN TV.
According to the statement, the suspect, an indigene of Ehimembano in Imo State who resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, is currently in police custody, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly attempted to stab her niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife on July 5, 2026, after the girl reportedly failed to spread clothes as instructed before the woman left for the market.
Investigators further revealed that the victim, who had been living with the suspect, was allegedly subjected to repeated physical abuse and threats to her life before the alleged attack.
Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia responded promptly to the incident, rescued the minor, 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 a comprehensive investigation.
The Police Command stated that the suspect would be charged to court for attempted murder upon the conclusion of investigations.
Condemning the incident, the Abia State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on all forms of violence, particularly child abuse, and urged members of the public to promptly report cases of abuse, domestic violence, or threats to life to the nearest police station or other appropriate security agencies.
The Command assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
