A 33-year-old man, Sunday Echege has been arrested for allegedly severing the left wrist of his wife, Chinonso Echege, during a domestic dispute.
The incident occurred last weekend at Ibagwa-Agu Farm Settlement in the Ibagwa-Ani community, Nsukka Local Council, where the suspect reportedly used a machete to inflict the grievous injury.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the arrest yesterday, stating that it was made possible with the assistance of law-abiding members of the community. The machete used in the attack was also recovered from the suspect.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Echege confessed to the crime, claiming he acted out of suspicion that his wife was involved in extramarital affairs.
Ndukwe added that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Kanayo Uzuegbu, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure a thorough and timely investigation, followed by the prosecution of the suspect.
“The Commissioner of Police has urged couples to resolve their differences through love, understanding, and legal means, rather than resorting to violent criminal acts,” Ndukwe stated.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, disclosed this during a press briefing.
“This is yet another sad development, which we are following up to ensure justice is served,” Enih stated. “Reports indicate that the suspect initially aimed for his wife’s head during the altercation but ended up severing her left hand, which she used to shield herself. She also sustained injuries to her right hand.”
Enih confirmed that the victim is currently receiving treatment at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.
She noted that the state government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, with the wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, personally overseeing the case and vowing to ensure justice is served.
“The suspect will be transferred to the Police Force CID, Enugu, for a thorough investigation. From there, the law will take its full course,” Enih added.
The commissioner also issued a warning to residents of Enugu State, urging them to refrain from domestic and gender-based violence, as well as child abuse.
She reiterated that the Mbah administration has a zero-tolerance policy for such acts and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
