The father and stepmother of Chidera Ukeje, the d0mestic abuse victim who was rescued with burns and bruises on her body, have been taken in for questioning.
The girl’s plight was made public after concerned neighbours called for help for her on social media (read here).
They explained that her stepmother regularly beats her and also starves her.
Chidera was also withdrawn from school, leaving her isolated in the house where she suffered torture.
The girl was recently locked inside the house alone while her stepmother travelled and neighbours had to use a ladder to rescue her as they feared she might not survive.
Subsequently, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the police stepped in and took Chidera to the hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Chidera’s father and stepmother have now been taken in for questioning.
Chidera’s dad, Vitalis Ukeje, is accused of encouraging the abuse of his child.
He denied involvement and claimed not to be aware of the abuse his daughter was suffering, a claim that is difficult to believe considering the extent of injuries on Chidera’s body.
The stepmother, Joy Ukeje, whom Vitalis Ukeje married four years ago after the de@th of Chidera’s mother, is said to be the one who carried out the horrific abuse.
Legal proceedings have been set in motion and Joy Ukeje is scheduled to be charged in court.