Police operatives have arrested woman, Ibiong Uyime Bassey caught in a viral video brutalizing her five-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene ― who was accused of stealing meat from a pot of soup, with spatula area in Cross River State.
Spokesman of the Nigeria police Command in the State, Eitokpah Sunday confirmed the incident that occurred recently on Atimbo Road in Calabar Municipality.
He revealed that the female suspect was arrested on 11th March 2026 at about 10:45hrs by men of the ‘A division’ Calabar of the Command, following swift action taken after the video hit the internet.
Speaking an interview with TheNewspad Editor, the police spokesman revealed that the survivor has been hospitalized as a result of the injuries around the child’s right eye.
The police image maker said the suspect had been taken into custody by police operatives after making statement.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect allegedly assaulted her five-year-old niece, Edidiong Uwem Aniefiok Ekpene, with a spatula, causing injuries around the child’s right eye.
“Further examination also revealed bruises on other parts of the child’s body suggestive of sustained abuse.
“Investigation is currently ongoing and further updates will be provided soon.
“The suspect and the survivor have made statements at A division, opposite the airport in Calabar, Cross River State Capital.
“The case will be transfered to State CID other today (Wednesday or tomorrow (Thursday)”, to Eitokpah said.
