Mrs. Blessing Emmanuel, a secondary school teacher in Imo State has been arrested for dehumanizing and maltreating her stepdaughter, Amarachi Emmanuel, for cooking without her permission.
The abuse came to light when Owerri-based activist and journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, reported the incident to the police following a complaint by two women, Eunice and Amarachi, who noticed the 12-year-old girl’s battered body while she was selling sachet water on the streets.
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A video posted by Okeoma which went viral, showing Amarachi with severe bruises, scars, and machete cuts.
Mrs. Emmanuel was arrested by the police in Owerri on Tuesday.
Okeoma, confirming the arrest, said, “Amarachi Emmanuel is 12 years old. Her mother died in 2018, and her father married the suspect in 2019. They live in Nekede area of Owerri.
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“The girl and her two siblings are out of school for years now. The woman commanded them to hawk sachet water for her every day and be making returns to her while their mates are in schools.”
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He added, “The girl told me that her stepmum dehumanises them. They sell pure water for her from morning till night and mostly go to bed hungry. The latest battering was because the girl said she cooked rice and ate without the woman’s permission, and on getting home, the woman battered her.”
Okeoma further explained, “I took the girl to Owerri Area Command and got the woman arrested, immediately. In order to save the girl’s life, I took her to Umuguma General Hospital where she was admitted.”
The journalist has involved some organizations in the case, stating, “I have involved National Human Rights Commission, Owerri Municipal Council Welfare Department, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.”
“Many Human Rights Organizations have also contacted me in regards to this case. The Owerri branch of the Nigeria Bar Association has also contacted me. Various media organizations are interested in the girl’s matter now,” Okeoma stated.
He emphasised the need for justice, saying, “Battering of children has no place in the 21st century. Police are investigating, and my request is that the woman be arraigned.”
Okeoma also shared plans to enroll Amarachi and her siblings in school once they recover and find better living conditions.
“Currently, they live in a shanty. They will need a decent apartment once she gets back on her feet again,” he said.
The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye confirmed the story.
Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case.
