Officers of the Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a 75-year-old woman for allegedly flogging and pouring hot pepper into the eyes and private parts of her 11-year-old housemaid.
Mrs Comfort Obi was arrested after she was reported by a neighbour, Osita Ezechukwu, who could no longer tolerate the level of abuse being meted out to the child.
According to reports, the body of the 11-year-old was torn as a result of incessant flogging by Mrs Obi. Further investigations revealed that the victim’s mother is dead and her four siblings are currently living with her father, who has eye impairment.
“My Madam usually invites touts to flog me whenever I commit offence and pour pepper into my private parts and eyes. This time around, this is because, I was hungry and I took her biscuit and juice to eat,” the child narrated.
The septuagenarian, explaining her action said: “Although I regret my actions, I sought the permission of the girl’s auntie before I poured pepper into her private parts and eyes.”
The police public relations officer in the state, Mrs Loveth Odah, said: “The child had been treated and reunited with her family members. The suspect will be arraigned after the fight against COVID-19 is over.”
