Anambra Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect

In a disturbing case of alleged child abuse and neglect, Uche Mbonu and his wife, Peace, have been apprehended by authorities in Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The couple faces charges including child abuse, starvation, and failure to provide basic necessities for their five young sons.

The arrests were made following intervention by security operatives acting on a report filed by Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo. According to the report, the children, all under the age of 18, endured severe hardships allegedly inflicted by their stepmother, Peace, who is reported to be Uche Mbonu’s third wife.

Chigbo Mbonu, the eldest of the children, disclosed harrowing details of their ordeal, stating that they often went hungry and were sometimes forced to consume raw rice and palm kernels due to neglect. Chigbo, who had abandoned schooling to assist his father in a block industry, described days where he labored under strenuous conditions with minimal sustenance.

In response to the allegations, Uche Mbonu denied the accusations, suggesting that the children preferred raw rice over prepared meals, a claim refuted by investigating authorities. Peace, upon learning of her husband’s arrest, reportedly sought refuge in Nnewi, her maternal home, before being apprehended herself.

Commissioner Ify Obinabo condemned the alleged abuse, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to combating child labor and abuse. She affirmed that the suspects are now in police custody, pending further investigation and prosecution.

“The Soludo-led APGA government will continue to ensure that child labor, abuse, and all forms of maltreatment are reduced to the barest minimum,” Commissioner Obinabo assured.