By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A 39-year-old man has been arraigned before the Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with his 14-year-old daughter, as the Anambra State Police Command intensified its crackdown on sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
The suspect, identified as Ikenna Mojekwu, was arraigned alongside two other suspects over separate allegations of defilement and rape involving minors, following the conclusion of police investigations into the cases.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the Command remains resolute in protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.
According to the statement, Mojekwu, aged 39, is facing charges of alleged incest after he reportedly engaged in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo.
Also arraigned was Chibuike Ikemelu, aged 29, who allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in Abatete, resulting in the victim’s pregnancy.
The Police Spokesman said the third suspect, Chukwuma Emenike, aged 16, was docked before the court over allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
He said following their arraignment, the court ordered that the suspects be remanded in a correctional centre, while the matters were adjourned to later dates for further hearing.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence, PPRO said the Police would continue to investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving the abuse of women, children and other vulnerable persons.
He further encouraged victims and members of the public to promptly report cases of rape, defilement, incest and other related offences, assuring that every complaint would be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights and dignity of victims and ensuring due process
