Police arrest woman for ‘beating stepson with pestle’ in Enugu

A woman identified as Ada Ogbogu has been arrested by the police after reportedly assaulting her three-year-old stepson with a pestle in Enugu.

On Saturday, Ngozi Enih, the commissioner for children, gender affairs, and social development in Enugu, said the suspect, a resident of Sunrise Estate in Emene, was arrested on Friday.

Enih added that police officers were first mobilised to the location to effect the arrest but did not meet the suspect. 

She, however, said Ogbogu was later arrested after a tip-off from the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu.

Describing the act as “wicked and heart-wrenching”, the commissioner said her team also met with the victim at the hospital who has suffered a broken femur or thigh bone.

Enih said the arrest demonstrates the state government’s commitment to protecting children from maltreatment.

“In Enugu State, we have zero tolerance for such excesses. Governor Peter Mbah has declared that no child should suffer abuse in Enugu State under his watch,” she said. 

“Hence, this administration has made examples of culprits. This one will not be an exception after the police investigation. 

“In the meantime, the wife of the governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, is very pained by this development.

“She has promised to not only see that justice is done, but also ensure that the little boy gets all the medical treatment he needs to get back on his feet as soon as possible.”