Court Remands 12 Anambra Suspects Over Alleged Child Abuse, Rape, Defilement, Abduction

The Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka has remanded 12 suspects over allegations of rape, defilement, child abuse, abduction and assault in separate cases across Anambra State.

The suspects were arraigned by the Anambra State Police Command, which reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and children from violence and ensuring justice for victims.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were arraigned over separate criminal allegations involving minors and other vulnerable persons.

Among those arraigned are Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu, who are accused of abducting and defiling a 14 year old girl in Nanka.

In another case, Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah was arraigned over the alleged defilement of an 11 year old girl along Slaughter Lane in Awka.

The police also charged Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher and Chinecherem Emmanuel with the alleged rape of a 19 year old woman on different occasions, which reportedly resulted in her pregnancy.

Also before the court were Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe, who are accused of assaulting their 12 year old house help.

Similarly, Chukwudi Joseph was arraigned for allegedly assaulting a 12 year old girl in Ozubulu, while Chibuike Agu is facing charges over the alleged defilement of a 13 year old girl in Fegge.

The court ordered that all 12 suspects be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their respective cases.

SP Ikenga stressed that the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for sexual and gender based violence, child abuse and all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, assuring residents that the police will continue to investigate such cases thoroughly and ensure that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.