Security operatives in Anambra State have apprehended a mother and her two children for allegedly assaulting their 75-year-old father, Romanus Obidigwe.
According to The PUNCH, the incident took place in the Awba-Ofemmili community, located in the Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The arrest was confirmed in a press statement released on Wednesday by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
Ikeanyionwu noted that the arrests followed a report made by the victim, who revealed that he had endured multiple instances of abuse at the hands of his family members.
The statement disclosed, “Anambra State government through the security operatives, has arrested one Esther Obidigwe, Ozioma Obidigwe, and Obuka Obidigwe for beating their 75-year-old father, Romanus Obidigwe.”
In recounting his ordeal to officials at the Commissioner’s office, Mr. Obidigwe, a retired senior civil servant, described a pattern of mistreatment by his family, culminating in the most recent assault.
He explained that the altercation began when his daughter, Ozioma, sold his firewood without his permission.
Ehen he confronted her about it, she, along with her mother and brother, attacked him, tied him up, and beat him with a rod, inflicting injuries.
“Obidigwe further revealed that the trio has since stopped feeding him of which he accepted as good fate and that they usually steal from him especially his first son, Obuka who had gone to local government where he retired from to claim his benefits,” the statement continued.
Obidigwe also lamented that his wife had imposed a “no sexual relationship” policy since 2000, which he reluctantly accepted for the sake of maintaining peace in the household.
He added that after the latest incident, his attackers only relented when a neighbour intervened, after which they locked him out of his home.
During questioning, his son Obuka denied being present during the assault, while his wife Esther admitted to the crime.
The daughter, Ozioma, claimed that her father’s actions led to the incident, though she did not elaborate.
In response to the situation, Commissioner Obinabo vowed to ensure justice for the elderly victim, reiterating that the ministry is committed to upholding the rights of all individuals, not just women and children.
Dhe issued a stern warning against criminal behavior, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to securing justice for the oppressed.
As of the latest updates, the mother and her children have been handed over to the police for further questioning and will be charged in court.
