The teacher accused of flogging a student to death in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, has surrendered to the police after days in hiding.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed in a statement yesterday that the suspect, identified as Mrs Ebere Dim, 47, voluntarily reported to the Neni Divisional Police Station following sustained efforts by security operatives and community leaders.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect had gone into hiding after the July 16 incident, which allegedly led to the student’s death.

According to Ikenga, operatives of the Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, working with officers from the Neni Divisional Police Station, intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect while also engaging community leaders and other stakeholders in Adazi-Ani.

He said the collaborative approach ultimately led to the suspect’s decision to turn herself in.

“The principal suspect, Mrs Ebere Dim, has voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station,” Ikenga said.

He added that the suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, where detectives will conclude investigations into the case.

The police assured the bereaved family and members of the public that a thorough investigation would be carried out and that anyone found culpable would face justice.

Ikenga also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and continue to provide useful information to support ongoing investigations and other policing efforts across the state.

He commended the Adazi-Ani community, the traditional institution and other stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that their support played a key role in the suspect’s surrender.