Woman Arrested for Trying to Kill Her Niece in Abia

The Abia State Police have arrested a 35-year-old woman named Nwoko Gift. She is accused of trying to kill her 12-year-old niece, Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife.

This arrest came after a video went viral on social media. The video showed a woman trying to harm a young girl with a knife.

In the shaky video, Gift can be seen kneeling over the girl. Chimamanda was lying face-down on the concrete floor. Gift was hitting and holding her with a kitchen knife in her hand.

The girl was heard crying and shouting, “Aunty no,” as she struggled under the woman. A man in a light-coloured shirt stepped in and pulled Gift away from the child.

The video lasted about two minutes. Bystanders gathered to watch as the man separated the two. It was shared widely on social media, which led to police action.

On Monday, the police released a statement through their Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka. She said officers from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia rescued the girl and arrested the suspect after receiving a tip.

Chinaka explained that the incident took place on July 5, 2026, at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia. Gift, who is Chimamanda’s aunt, allegedly tried to kill the girl because she did not spread clothes before Gift left for the market.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that on 05/07/2026, Mrs Nwoko Gift, female, 35 years old, of Ehimembano Imo State but residing at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia, the aunt to Miss Ebo Chimamanda (female, 12 years) of the same address, attempted to kill Miss Ebo Chimamanda, who stays with her, because she refused to spread the clothes she was asked to spread before Mrs Gift left for the market,” the statement said.

The police also found that Gift had abused the girl before this incident. “Investigation also revealed that the suspect has repeatedly beaten and has been threatening to kill young Miss Chimamanda,” it added.

A kitchen knife was recovered as evidence after the arrest. “Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, rushed to the scene after receiving a tip, rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the exhibit knife,” the statement noted.

The case has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department. The police said that the suspect would face attempted murder charges once the investigation is complete.

“Investigation is ongoing, as the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the suspect will be charged for attempted murder after the investigation is concluded,” they said.

The police condemned the incident and urged residents to report similar cases. “The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to refrain from such acts. They should also report any such incidents to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.