Enugu State Government has confirmed the arrest of a woman, Mrs Ogechi John, over the alleged death of her nine-year-old stepdaughter, Amanda John.
The development was disclosed in a statement shared on Monday through the WhatsApp platform of Governor Peter Mbah.
According to the statement, the suspect, said to be from Oderiko community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the child’s death.
Authorities said the incident occurred at the family’s residence in Nchatancha, Emene, located in Enugu East Local Government Area.
The statement, quoting accounts from residents in the area, alleged that the deceased had reportedly suffered repeated abuse before the fatal incident, which was said to have happened around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, said the state government would ensure that the suspect is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. We swung into action immediately upon learning of this tragedy to ensure the suspect was arrested,” Enih stated.
She added that the government would closely monitor the investigation and legal proceedings to ensure justice is delivered without unnecessary delay.
“We will be pressing for a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done swiftly. Nobody should take another person’s life, especially that of a child in Enugu State. We condemn the act in totality,” she added.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting children and warned that anyone found involved in child abuse or violence against minors would face prosecution.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Authorities, however, did not disclose the specific police division handling the matter or officially confirm the exact cause of the child’s death.
