A statement issued by the spokesman for the state police command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, on Sunday, said, “The arrest is following a trending video/public outcry of the residents of the area seen Miss Idimmachikwu with different degrees of injuries all over her body allegedly perpetuated by her guardian Mrs Ifesinachi. The child is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

“The CP has frowned on such inhuman treatment subjected to some housemaids/help by their guardians, assuring that the command will continue to do everything within his power to protect the vulnerable of such. The case shall be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation and justice shall be served.”

The state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, earlier told journalists that Ifesinachi beat the young girl with a pestle and cane because she threw her child on the ground.

“The little girl was taken to the hospital where she is still undergoing medical examinations and treatment to ascertain the extent of her injuries,” she said.

“She is safe now and will not be returning to her guardian’s house again.”

Ifesinachi has admitted to flogging and inflicting injuries on the body of the girl, saying it was the “handiwork of the devil”