A gender magistrate court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, has remanded three suspects who were arraigned by the state police command for separate charges bordering on alleged incest, defilement, and rape following the conclusion of investigations.
Among the suspects arraigned was one Ikenna Mojekwu, who is facing charges of alleged incest for reportedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a press statement released on Thursday by the spokesman for the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga noted that the suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, following the conclusion of police investigations.
He pointed out that also arraigned was Chibuike Ikemelu, who is alleged to have had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, resulting in pregnancy in Abatete, Idemili North LGA.
The third suspect, according to him, is 16-year-old Chukwuma Emenike, who was arraigned on allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji, Idemili North.
He added that their arraignment demonstrated continuous commitment by the police to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The statement read, “The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged incest, defilement, and rape following the conclusion of police investigations.
“Among those arraigned is Ikenna Mojekwu, who is facing charges of alleged incest for reportedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo.
“Also arraigned was Chibuike Ikemelu, who is alleged to have had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, resulting in pregnancy in Abatete. The third suspect, Chukwuma Emenike, aged 16 years old, was arraigned on allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
“The suspects were arraigned after investigations by the police and were remanded in accordance with the orders of the court. The matters have been adjourned to later dates for further hearing.”
Ikenga reiterated the resolve of the command to investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving sexual and gender-based violence and further encouraged victims and members of the public to promptly report such offences.
He assured that every report will be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights of victims and ensuring due process.
Recall that a Rivers State family court sitting in Port Harcourt convicted and sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to ten years’ imprisonment for defiling an 11-year-old girl.
The court also ordered that the convict should pay the sum of N1m to the family of the minor as compensation.
The court added that his name should be included in the list of rapists in the state.
Source: Punch
