Dr Emeka Ogah , the Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, says the alleged victim of maltreatment, 12-year-old Faith Nwanja, is currently undergoing medical tests at the facility.
Ogah, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Dr Robbinson Ono, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that paediatricians had been directed to carry out series of tests on the girl.
“We are still investigating the case; however, we cannot give out the report now until the paediatricians in-charge are through with the tests,’’ he said.
The medical director expressed the hope that the report would be ready by Monday.
Nwanja was allegedly maltreated and seriously injured by her mistress, Mrs Nkechinyere Bartholomew, who employed her as a housemaid.
Bartholomew allegedly dehumanised the child during the four years that she employed her.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relation Officer in Ebonyi, ASP Loveth Odah, said that the suspect’s sister who came back with Nwanja to Ebonyi had been arrested to help the police trace Bartholomew.
She said the matter would be treated as a case in transit as the Ebonyi Command of Nigeria Police Force lacked jurisdiction over the matter since the act was allegedly committed in Anambra.
Odah cautioned mothers against giving out their little children to strangers because they would not be able to protect themselves from maltreatment.
The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Rachael Umahi, had directed that all relevant agencies should ensure the alleged culprit be made to face the law.
She promised to rehabilitate the alleged victim. (NAN)
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