A 38-year-old nurse, Amarachukwu Nzekwe, has been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly abusing her 13-year-old nephew with a hot laundry iron, leaving him with severe injuries.

According to Ify Obinabo, the state’s commissioner for women and social welfare on Wednesday, the incident occurred on August 19 and was brought to her attention on August 18 after going viral on social media.

Nzekwe, a native of Ezinifite in Aguata local government area, claimed she was “disciplining” the boy for stealing from her. However, the commissioner described the act as “dastardly” and assured that the boy would receive justice.

The suspect allegedly used a heated laundry iron to inflict injuries on the teenager and then locked him up without providing proper medical attention.

The incident that went viral on social media was brought to the attention of the honourable commissioner for women and social welfare in Anambra state, Hon. Ify Obinabo on Sunday 18th day of August 2024, while the arrest was made the following day,” the statement reads.

The perpetrator, Mrs. Nzekwe, a native of Ezinifite in the Aguata local government area of the state, said she only disciplined her nephew after he stole from her.

“According to the perpetrator, the weapon used in inflicting the injury on the 13-year-old was a well-heated laundry iron, after which she locked him up at home without any proper medication attention.”

Obinabo noted that Nzekwe does not have a child of her own, which is why her nephew was in her care. The suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and will be charged to court.

The commissioner emphasized that such acts of abuse will not be tolerated in the state, and the boy will receive the necessary support and protection