Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder of Niece in Abia

Nwoko Gift, a 35-year-old woman from Ehimembano, Imo State, was arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece, Ebo Chimamanda, with a kitchen knife. The incident occurred on July 5, 2026, at IBB House Estate in Umuahia and was documented in a viral video that showed Gift assaulting the girl, who was kneeling on the ground.

The video prompted public outrage and police intervention. According to the police statement by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the victim was rescued, and the suspect was apprehended following intelligence-led operations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Gift had subjected Chimamanda to repeated abuse and had threatened to kill her. The police recovered the kitchen knife used in the assault as evidence.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, and Gift will face charges of attempted murder upon conclusion of the investigation.