The FCT police command has arrested a 29-year-old mother of two, Mrs.Ifeoma Obinwa, for allegedly inflicting wounds, thereby leaving many scars on the body of her 12-year-old housemaid at her home in Dutse Alhaji area in Abuja.
A statement from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) says Obinwa attacked her maid on September 12th because the girl dared to beat up her child. “The victim, who has lived with the suspect since 2015, was not enrolled into school and is always being physically and emotionally abused. She is always being beaten by the suspect with sticks, wire and sharp objects and such treatment have left wounds and scars all over her body, including her head. The last incident that led to the suspect’s arrest happened on September 12, 2018, when the suspect, who accused the victim of beating her child, allegedly placed a knife on fire until it became very hot and then placed it on the victim’s thigh and buttocks, thereby leaving her with grievous body injuries. The victim was also left untreated until the operatives of the agency rescued her.”
Also arrested by the police is a 29-year-old mother of two, Sandra Obiosio, for allegedly inflicting wounds on her 12-year-old housemaid. Obinwa from Imo State, who claimed to be a health worker, was further alleged to have inflicted bodily harm on the girl on September 12. Obiosio, an indigene of Rivers State, residing at Jabi Area of Abuja, with her husband, got the 12 years old girl from Nassarawa State in 2017 as house help.
According to the press statement from NAPTIP, Obiosio and her husband allegedly subjected the girl to all manner of abuse and ill-treatment. The little girl looked malnourished and harassed. The statement added that the girl explained that she used to wake up at 4 a.m. every day to do the house chores and prepare the woman’s two children for school. As soon as the children leave for school, the maid and the suspect would proceed to Jahi where the woman owns a shop, according to Vincent.
They do not leave the shop until 8 p.m. On getting home, the maid continues with the house chores, including cooking. The girl does not go to bed until between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Most times, the suspect will hand over her less than a one-year-old baby to the maid and go to bed, leaving the victim awake until the baby sleeps. The victim was promised to be enrolled in a school which has not happened and she is also not being paid for the service rendered. She also does not feed well. The victim also has scars all over her body as a result of several beatings from the suspect. Investigations continue.” he said
