Anambra State Government Detains Woman And Two Children For Allegedly Assaulting 75-Year-Old Husband

Anambra State Government Detains Woman And Two Children For Allegedly Assaulting 75-Year-Old Husband

The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has arrested Esther Obidigwe, Ozioma Obidigwe, and Obuka Obidigwe for allegedly assaulting the family patriarch.

Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Commissioner for Women Affairs, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, that the arrests were made after the 75-year-old victim, Mr. Romanus Obidigwe, reported the incident to the ministry.

During a meeting at the commissioner’s office, Mr. Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant, shared his distressing experience. He revealed that his family had been physically abusing him for a long time. The most recent incident occurred when his daughter, Ozioma, sold his firewood without his consent. When he confronted her about it, she, along with other family members, allegedly attacked him, tied him up, and beat him with a rod, causing injuries.

Mr. Obidigwe also claimed that the trio had stopped providing him with food, which he accepted without protest. He accused his son, Obuka, of stealing from him and attempting to claim his retirement benefits from the local government office.

The elderly man lamented that he had tolerated his wife’s imposed “no sexual relationship” rule since 2000 for the sake of peace. He further recounted how a neighbor’s intervention was necessary to stop the alleged beating, after which the family locked him out of his own home.

When questioned, Obuka denied being present during the incident, while Mrs. Esther Obidigwe admitted to the crime. The daughter, Ozioma, claimed her actions were in response to something her father allegedly tried to do to her.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Ify Obinabo, expressed her outrage over the situation and vowed to ensure that justice is served.

As of the time of this report, the three suspects have been handed over to the police for interrogation and will be charged in court.