Abia: Police arrest woman over attempted killing of 12-year-old niece

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs Nwoko Gift, for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece following a domestic disagreement in Umuahia.

The command disclosed that the suspect, an indigene of Ehimembano in Imo State who resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, was arrested after a viral video allegedly showing her threatening the young girl with a kitchen knife sparked widespread outrage on social media.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on July 5, 2026, when the suspect allegedly attempted to kill her niece, Miss Ebo Chimamanda, who lives with her.

The police said the altercation reportedly arose because the girl failed to spread the clothes as instructed before the suspect left for the market.

Investigators further uncovered that the suspect had allegedly subjected the child to repeated physical abuse and had, on several occasions, threatened to kill her.

The statement said operatives of the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia swiftly responded to actionable intelligence, rescued the victim, arrested the suspect, and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack.

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The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The police said the suspect would be charged with attempted murder upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Condemning the incident, the command warned against all forms of domestic violence and abuse, urging residents to promptly report similar incidents to the nearest police station.

“The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, as well as report any such incidents to the nearest police station,” the statement said.

The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.