The teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death in Anambra State has surrendered to the police, bringing an end to days of search efforts by security operatives.
The Anambra State Police Command said the suspect, Mrs Dim Ebere, 47, walked into the Neni Police Station in Anaocha Local Government Area after officers intensified efforts to locate her.
The incident, which occurred at a school in Adazi-Enu, sparked public outrage after the boy was alleged to have died from injuries sustained during the punishment.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the suspect’s surrender followed coordinated operations by the Safe School Protection Squad, working alongside officers from the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters and with support from community leaders in Adazi-Ani.
According to him, the suspect remains in custody and will be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where detectives will complete their investigation into the case.
He said, “Following sustained manhunt operations by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, and continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani, the principal suspect, Mrs Dim Ebere, aged 47, has voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station.
“The suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, where the ongoing investigation will be concluded.
“To this end, the Command commends the cooperation of the Adazi-Ani community, the traditional institution and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the suspect’s surrender.
“The family of the deceased and members of the public are hereby assured that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.
“The Command further urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations and other policing efforts across the state.”