Two Sentenced to Death by Hanging in Anambra Over Rape, Murder of 17 Year Old Mentally Impaired Girl
By Joseph Egbeocha
The Anambra State High Court sitting in Ogidi Judicial Division has convicted and sentenced Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu to death by hanging after finding them guilty of conspiracy, rape, and the murder of a 17 year old mentally impaired girl, Jennifer Anene.
According to court proceedings, Jennifer was reported missing on 25 November 2020 by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene. Three days later, the wife of the first convict reportedly informed the family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the teenager while she screamed for help.
The court heard that when Elder Anene confronted the first convict, he denied the allegation and claimed he had last seen Jennifer with the second convict. Shortly afterwards, a mutual acquaintance identified as Akpuchukwu allegedly brought Jennifer back home unconscious before fleeing. The individual has remained at large.
Following police directives, Jennifer was taken to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy admitted in evidence revealed bruises, vaginal tears, and other injuries consistent with aggravated sexual assault.
Although the eyewitness and the first convict’s wife did not testify despite being served with court processes, the prosecution presented two witnesses, including the deceased’s grandfather and the investigating police officer. The prosecution also tendered the postmortem report, police investigation report, and photographic evidence. The defendants testified in their own defence and denied all allegations.
In her judgment, Justice Irene Ndigwe held that the prosecution proved the offences of conspiracy, rape, and murder beyond reasonable doubt, and accordingly sentenced both convicts to death by hanging.
Reacting to the judgment, the Secretary of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Nonso Emeka, described the verdict as justice for the victim and her family. He said the judgment reflects the commitment of law officers in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice to ensure that offenders are held accountable through due process, regardless of how long it takes.
