Female officer arrested for maltreating elderly mother, sister-in-law
Chinelo Anadumaka, a resident of Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been taken into custody following accusations of subjecting her mother and late brother’s wife to various forms of ill treatment.
Chinelo, an officer of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), stands accused of physically assaulting, intimidating, and tormenting her elderly mother, Maryrose Anadumaka. It has been reported that the suspect had previously been married to a man from Abia State.
However, they divorced after Chinelo allegedly orchestrated a group of thugs to attack her husband, forcing him out of their home. This came after he became cautious due to suspicions of her infidelity, which almost cost him his life, according to local traditions.
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After Chinelo’s divorce and subsequent return to her father’s compound in Awgbu, she allegedly became a burden to her mother. It is alleged that she took control of significant portions of property within the compound and even stole her mother’s food supplies. She is also said to have invited vigilante officers to harass her mother.
During questioning, Chinelo cited her suspicion that her mother had an affair with her ex-husband as the reason for her cruel behavior towards her.
Additionally, it has been reported that Chinelo began mistreating her late brother’s wife, Lovina Anadumaka, right after her husband’s passing.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, revealed that Chinelo collaborated with her late brother’s first son, Uchenna Anadumaka (fathered with his brother’s first/ex-wife). Together, they forcefully stripped the grieving second wife of her deceased husband’s possessions, including his ATM cards, phones, a house in Delta State, and other properties. They proceeded to collect rent payments from tenants residing in those houses.
Ikeanyionwu further disclosed that both individuals demonstrated no care or assistance when the widow’s husband was ill, only to swiftly claim everything he owned. She also recounted how the stepson, Uchenna, squandered two million naira withdrawn from his late father’s bank account, meant for the father’s burial preparations.
Following this, the deceased’s body was left abandoned in the mortuary for an extended period of time, as the widow lacked the financial means to proceed with the burial arrangements.
Local authorities and concerned community members became aware of the dire situation and intervened to ensure justice for the victims. The Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, in cooperation with law enforcement officials, launched an investigation into the case.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of Chinelo Anadumaka for her alleged abuse and exploitation of her mother and sister-in-law. She was taken into custody to prevent further harm to the victims and ensure their safety.
The Anambra State government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, is providing support and assistance to both Maryrose Anadumaka and Lovina Anadumaka. They are working closely with relevant agencies and community organizations to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, and justice they deserve.
Additionally, efforts are being made to retrieve the stolen properties and restore them to Lovina Anadumaka, as well as hold Uchenna Anadumaka accountable for his involvement in the exploitation and misuse of his late father’s assets.
The case has raised public awareness about the need to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, especially within family dynamics. The Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, along with other government agencies, continue to advocate for the elimination of domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation, and to provide support for victims.
