Owerri police have remanded 38-year-old businesswoman Juliet Igwe in prison after she abused her five-year-old niece and domestic help.
Igwe poured boiling water on the girl’s hands, which caused severe burns.
Doctors later amputated three fingers due to the damage.
She also applied lit candles and melted wax to the child’s back, buttocks, face, and private parts, according to reports.
First, Igwe claimed the actions were to discipline the girl for tasting soup or taking food items.
Next, the repeated burns led to major injuries across the child’s body.
Then, authorities stepped in after the extent of the harm became clear.
As a result, Igwe now faces custody while investigations continue.
The domestic help also suffered physical abuse in the same household.
Nigerians have reacted strongly online, with many calling for a long prison term over the incident.
This case has drawn fresh attention to how domestic workers and young relatives are treated in some homes.
Officials say they will pursue full charges based on the medical evidence from the hospital.
