By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A 24-year-old lady has alleged that the gunman who was recently arrested at a popular hotel in Anambra State raped and robbed her at gunpoint earlier before his arrest.
Recall that the gunman, Mr. Akuchieani Echezona was recently arrested by the operatives of the Anambra State Police Command when he was seen roaming about in the hotel. The police operatives also recovered one English-made pistol and three rounds of live ammunition from him, among other incriminating items.
However, in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu said the suspect has also now been identified as a rapist and robber, given the latest allegations by the lady.
According to him, the lady, who is graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, did not only identify the suspect as the person who raped and robbed her, but also identified her phone among the phones recovered from the suspect.
DSP Ikenga added that two more pistols were recovered from the suspect, while information available also revealed that he (the suspect) was responsible for the murder of at least two persons in separate incidents in Awka in the last three months.
The statement read: “Following publication of picture of the gunman arrested at a popular hotel in Awka two days ago by Anambra State Police Command, a 24-year-old graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has come forward to allege that the suspect robbed and raped her at gunpoint at another hotel in Awka on 11th July, 2023.
“She stated that the suspect was among the criminals that abducted her when she boarded a tricycle along Ifite to Aroma Junction on 10/7/2023, took her to a hotel within the area, dispossessed her of her personal belongings and raped her before she was allowed to go.
“The victim who looked traumatised identified her phone among the phones recovered from the suspect.
“When interrogated on the new allegation, the suspect admitted to robbing the victim at gun point, but denied the rape charge. He also provided names of his two accomplices.
“Meanwhile, two more pistols have been recovered from the suspect. Management of yet another hotel where he lodged, on seeing Police publication, had alerted the Police that the suspect lodged in one of the hotel rooms before his arrest at another hotel. Detectives then proceeded to the hotel and searched the room where he lodged only to discover two more Berreta Pistols among his personal effects.
“Information has been received that the suspect is responsible for the murder of at least two persons in separate incidents in Awka in the last three months.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has ordered detectives to leave no stone unturned in their investigation in order to protect society and get justice for victims of the suspect’s alleged crimes. He also urged the residents to report suspicious persons and unusual movements they may observe to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s Emergency number 112 or call 07039194332 for prompt response.
“The suspect is to be arraigned in court after investigation is concluded.”
