THREE suspects have been brought before the Gender Magistrate Court in Awka by Anambra State Police Command, facing separate charges of incest, defilement and rape following the conclusion of police investigations.
The suspects appeared in court on Wednesday and were remanded in a correctional centre on the orders of the presiding magistrate. The cases have been adjourned to later dates for further hearing.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the three individuals are facing charges arising from alleged sexual offences committed in different communities across the state.
In one of the cases, Ikenna Mojekwu is standing trial for alleged incest after being accused of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo.
A second suspect, Chibuike Ikemelu, was arraigned over allegations of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in Abatete—an act which police say resulted in pregnancy.
The third suspect, 16-year-old Chukwuma Emenike, is facing allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
SP Ikenga confirmed that all three suspects were charged after the police concluded their investigations into the separate cases. He added that they were remanded in compliance with the court’s directives pending the determination of the matters.
The police spokesman reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to thoroughly investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving sexual and gender-based violence.
He urged victims and members of the public to promptly report incidents of sexual abuse and related offences, assuring that every complaint would be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights of victims and ensuring due process.
The command’s action reaffirms its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence across Anambra State.
SP Ikenga stressed that the police remain committed to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society through effective investigation, prosecution of offenders and sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
