By: Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a couple for allegedly locking their 15-year-old house help, identified simply as Amaechi, in a toilet at their residence in Abuloma, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Police operatives from the Abuloma Police Division rescued the teenager on Monday, September 14, after the landlord raised the alarm over her prolonged absence.
The couple, whose names were withheld, allegedly confined the girl in the toilet for weeks over an undisclosed offence.
A source said the teenager was allegedly fed once a day with leftover food while in confinement, despite repeatedly pleading for her release.
The girl, who is from Ebonyi State, was reportedly rescued after neighbours became concerned by her cries and alerted the authorities.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the landlord noticed that the girl had not been seen outside the house for some time and alerted the police.
Agabe said police officers went to the residence and found the teenager locked inside the toilet before rescuing her. She added that the couple had been arrested and that the girl’s family had been contacted.
The police spokesperson said the teenager would not be returned to the residence where she was allegedly confined, while the couple remained in custody as investigations continued.
Agabe said the police had not determined whether the couple would be arraigned, noting that investigation into the incident is ongoing.
