The Imo State Police Command has apprehended a secondary school teacher, Blessing Emmanuel, on charges of severely abusing her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Amarachi Emmanuel.
The arrest occurred on Tuesday after a formal complaint was lodged by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma at the Owerri Area Command.
Amarachi’s plight came to light when two local women, Eunice and Amarachi, noticed the young girl selling sachet water on the streets with visible injuries.
Okeoma, who became involved after being informed of the situation, shared a viral video on social media depicting Amarachi with bruises, scars, and machete wounds.
Confirming the teacher’s arrest on Thursday, Okeoma revealed that the child had been taken to Umuguma General Hospital in Owerri, where she is receiving urgent medical care.
Describing Amarachi’s circumstances, he stated, “Amarachi Emmanuel is 12 years old. Her mother died in 2018 and her father married the suspect in 2019. They live in the Nekede area of Owerri. The girl and her two siblings have been out of school for years now. The woman commanded them to be hawking sachet water for her every day and be making returns to her while their mates are in schools.”
According to Amarachi, her stepmother frequently mistreated her and her siblings.
Okeoma added, “They sell pure water from morning until night and often go to bed hungry. The latest beating occurred because she cooked rice and ate without her permission.”
Following the incident, Okeoma took the girl to the police headquarters, leading to the immediate arrest of Blessing Emmanuel. He further disclosed that he had enrolled Amarachi in the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme for vulnerable children, while continuing to advocate for her welfare.
“I have involved the National Human Rights Commission, Owerri Municipal Council Welfare Department, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,” Okeoma stated.
“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 condemned the abuse, calling for swift legal action: “Battering of children has no place in the 21st century. Police are investigating and my request is that the woman be arraigned. The woman turned the girl and her siblings into slaves, simply because their mother is late and their father is medically unstable.”
He expressed his commitment to securing education and proper housing for Amarachi and her siblings, who currently live in poor conditions. According to him, Amarachi’s injuries include burns and cuts on her thighs, eyes, genitals, legs, arms, and stomach.
“Little Amarachi Emmanuel needs all of us now. Let us tell her that humanity is not wicked. There are compassionate Nigerians all over,” he appealed.
Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the developments, stating, “The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had given a directive that the right things be done in the matter. When investigations are concluded, the police would do the needful to ensure that the victim gets justice.”