THE Anambra State Police Command has intensified its zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, securing the arraignment of 12 suspects before the Gender Magistrate Court in Awka.
The defendants appeared in court on Wednesday facing a litany of serious charges, including rape, defilement, child abuse, abduction, and assault. The cases, which involve both women and minors, underscore the command’s renewed commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable.
Among those brought before the magistrate was Chima Onyeanuna, alongside Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu, who are accused of abducting and defiling a 14-year-old girl in the Nanka area.
In a separate case, Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah is standing trial for the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl along Slaughter Lane in Awka.
The court also heard details of a harrowing case involving Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher, and Chinecherem Emmanuel, who are accused of raping a 19-year-old woman on multiple occasions. It was alleged that the attacks resulted in a pregnancy.
Further proceedings concerned Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe, who face charges of assaulting their 12-year-old domestic help. Meanwhile, Chukwudi Joseph was arraigned for allegedly assaulting another 12-year-old girl in Ozubulu, and Chibuike Agu faces charges of defiling a 13-year-old girl in Fegge.
Following their respective arraignments, the Gender Magistrate Court ordered all 12 defendants to be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their cases.
Reaffirming the force’s resolve, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the Anambra State Police Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, and all forms of violence against vulnerable persons.
“We will continue to investigate these offences diligently and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law,” SP Ikenga said.
He urged members of the public to promptly report cases of abuse and to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection of women and children across the state.
