Wicked Madam Tortures Child Maid With Candle Wax, Boiling Water

THE Imo State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Juliet Igwe, for allegedly inflicting severe injuries on her six-year-old female house help, Onyinyechi, using a candle flame.

The suspect is accused of not only targeting the child’s private parts but also of pouring hot water on her hands and using melted candle wax to burn her body.

Parading the suspect at the Command headquarters in Owerri, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stated the arrest followed intelligence received by officers from the Ideato North Divisional Headquarters.

Okoye commended the Stand for Human Rights Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, for alerting the police and assisting in the suspect’s apprehension.

Describing the act as “despicable and totally unacceptable,” Okoye confirmed Igwe would face court proceedings once investigations were concluded.

He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, was deeply concerned by the incident and had directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department to conduct a thorough probe and ensure the suspect is charged.

When questioned, Igwe admitted responsibility for her actions, telling journalists: “I didn’t know that the use of candle wax and boiled water on the girl was going to cause grievous harm to her.”

She accused the child of stealing meat from her cooking pot and claimed: “I only battered her so as to forestall future reccurrence.”

Commenting on the incident, Okeoma revealed his foundation had reported the child abuse case in Uruala Community, Ideato North LGA, to the police.

He said his organisation not only helped rescue the child but also assisted in arresting the suspect.

“This wickedness is not tolerated in a sane society like ours and should be condemned. We have taken over the medical and welfare packages of the minor,” Okeoma said.

“We have taken her to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital in Owerri for proper medical investigations and treatments. We thank the Executive Secretary of the State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Uche Ewelike, for expressly approving complete free medical care for the minor, owing to the urgency of her condition.”

“Also, we thank the Commissioner of Police for immediately ordering the transfer of the matter to the State CID in Owerri for speedy investigation,” Okeoma added.