Arrest follows viral video

The Abia State Police Command said it has arrested a 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Nwoko Gift, who was captured in a viral social media video allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece with a kitchen knife.

Police identified the suspect as Nwoko Gift, a native of Ehimembano, Imo State, who resides at IBB Housing Estate, Umuahia. The victim was identified as Miss Ebo Chimamanda, 12, who lives with the suspect at the same address.

According to the police, the arrest followed the circulation of the video online. The Command said the suspect would be charged with attempted murder after the conclusion of investigations.

The Abia State Police Command is aware of a viral video on social media depicting a woman attempting to harm a young girl with a knife. The suspect has been apprehended, and investigation is ongoing.

— DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command

What police say happened

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the Command said preliminary investigations showed that the incident happened on July 5, 2026.

The police said Mrs. Gift allegedly attacked the child after the girl failed to spread clothes she had been instructed to spread before the suspect left for the market. The statement said the victim, who stays with the suspect, was allegedly targeted on that basis.

The Command also said its preliminary findings pointed to a broader pattern of abuse. According to the statement, the suspect had repeatedly beaten the victim and consistently threatened to kill her.

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

— DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command

Rescue and investigation

The police said operatives attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia acted on actionable intelligence and moved swiftly to prevent further harm to the child.

According to the Command, the operatives rescued the victim, arrested the suspect, and recovered the kitchen knife allegedly used in the attack. Police added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

The Command said the suspect would face an attempted murder charge once investigations are completed. No further details were provided on the victim's condition.

Police condemnation and public warning

Condemning the incident, the Command warned against all forms of violence and child abuse. It urged members of the public to promptly report similar incidents to the nearest police station.

The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and maintaining public safety across Abia State. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.

The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such act, as well as to report any such incidents to the nearest police station.

— DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command

Together we keep Abia safe. See something, say something.

— DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command