The incident occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2026, at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, where the suspect, Gift Nwoko resides.
By Emeka Uche
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Published on July 6, 2026
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2 min read
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old woman, identified as Gift Nwoko, over the alleged attempted murder of her 12-year-old niece following a viral video showing the suspect threatening the child with a kitchen knife.
The Command disclosed this in a press release issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, stating that the suspect would be charged with attempted murder after the conclusion of investigations.
According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that the incident occurred on Saturday, July 5, 2026, at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia, where the suspect resides. Nwoko, who is originally from Ehimembano in Imo State, allegedly attempted to kill Miss Ebo Chimamanda after the girl failed to spread clothes before the suspect left for the market.
Investigators further alleged that the suspect, who is the child’s aunt and guardian, had repeatedly assaulted the girl and had allegedly made several threats to kill her before the latest incident.
The police said officers attached to the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters in Umuahia swiftly responded to actionable intelligence, rescued the victim, arrested the suspect and recovered a kitchen knife believed to have been used during the incident.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“The suspect will be charged for attempted murder upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement said.
The Command condemned the alleged attack, describing it as unacceptable regardless of the circumstances.
It also urged members of the public to refrain from acts of violence and promptly report cases of abuse or threats to life to the nearest police station.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting residents and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to maintaining security across the state.
