By Izunna Okafor, Awka
No fewer than twelve suspects have been arraigned before a Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, over various alleged offences ranging from defilement, child abuse and abduction to assault and rape, which also resulted in one of the victims being impregnated through illegal means.
The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, July 8, following investigations by the Anambra State Police Command into separate cases involving women and children across different parts of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday, said the arraignment buttresses the Command’s commitment to protecting women, children and other vulnerable persons, while ensuring that perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence are brought to justice.
According to the police spokesman, three of the suspects — Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu — were arraigned over the alleged abduction and defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Nanka.
In another case, the PPRO said one Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah was brought before the court over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl along Slaughter Lane in Awka.
SP Ikenga further disclosed that four other suspects identified as Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher and Chinecherem Emmanuel were also arraigned over allegations of repeatedly raping a 19-year-old woman on separate occasions, which allegedly resulted in her becoming pregnant.
The police spokesman added that Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe were equally arraigned for allegedly assaulting their 12-year-old house help.
Also confirmed by the police was the was arraignment of one Chukwudi Joseph, who is facing allegations of assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Ozubulu; while Chibuike Agu was also arraigned over the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl in the Fegge area of Onitsha.
According to the Police, the Gender Magistrate Court ordered that all the suspects be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their respective cases.
SP Ikenga re-emphasized that the Command viewed offences involving sexual violence, child abuse and other forms of violence against vulnerable persons with utmost seriousness, stressing that such crimes would continue to receive diligent investigation and prosecution.
He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against rape, defilement, child abuse and gender-based violence, assuring residents that the police would remain committed to ensuring justice for victims and holding offenders accountable in accordance with the law.
The police spokesperson also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of abuse, exploitation and violence against women and children, assuring that every genuine complaint would be treated utmost confidentiality and be given prompt attention.
