The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that the teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death at a school in Adazi-Enu, Anaocha Local Government Area, has surrendered to the police.
The suspect, identified as Mrs Dim Ebere, 47, reportedly presented herself at the Neni Police Station after the command intensified efforts to track her down over the alleged incident.
The police had earlier declared the teacher wanted after launching a manhunt following the death of the young pupil, who allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained during the reported flogging.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect voluntarily turned herself in after sustained operations by the Command’s Safe School Protection Squad.
He explained that the operation was conducted in collaboration with officers attached to the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, alongside continuous engagement with community leaders and stakeholders in Adazi-Ani.
According to Ikenga, the suspect is currently being held in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for the conclusion of investigations.
The statement read, “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.”
The Command commended residents of Adazi-Ani, the traditional institution and other community stakeholders for cooperating with security agencies throughout the search for the suspect.
Police authorities noted that the support received from the community played a significant role in securing the suspect’s voluntary appearance before investigators.
The Command also reassured the bereaved family that every effort would be made to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
It emphasised that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the pupil’s death remain active and would be carried out thoroughly before any legal action is taken.
“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 statement added.
The police further appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid taking matters into their own hands while investigations continue.
According to the Command, members of the public should continue to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing investigations and broader policing operations across Anambra State.
“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,” Ikenga stated.
The incident has generated widespread concern over disciplinary practices in schools, with many calling for stronger measures to safeguard children within learning environments.
Authorities have not disclosed when the suspect will be formally charged, pending the completion of investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
