By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Anambra State Police Command has taken a firm stand against sexual and gender-based violence with the arraignment of twelve suspects before the Gender Magistrate Court in Awka on Wednesday, in a series of cases involving rape, defilement, child abuse, abduction, and assault.
According to the commands public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Thursday, the suspects, who appeared before the court on July 8, 2026, face charges ranging from the abduction and defilement of minors to the brutal assault of domestic workers and the rape of young women.
In one of the cases, Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo, and Okafor Chibundu were arraigned for the alleged abduction and defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Nanka, a community in the state.
In a separate incident, Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah faced the court over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl along Slaughter Lane in Awka.
The court also heard the case against Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher, and Chinecherem Emmanuel, who are accused of raping a 19-year-old girl on multiple occasions. The victim, according to police reports, became pregnant as a result of the alleged assaults.
In cases involving child abuse, Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe were arraigned for allegedly assaulting their 12-year-old house help.
Similarly, Chukwudi Joseph was brought before the court for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Ozubulu, while Chibuike Agu faced charges of defilement of a 13-year-old girl in Fegge.
Following their arraignment, the Gender Magistrate Court ordered all twelve suspects remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their respective cases.
The Command reinstate its commitment to protecting women and children from all forms of abuse and ensuring that justice is served.
"The Command reiterates its zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, and all forms of violence against vulnerable persons," Ikenga stated.
He assured the public that the Police will continue to diligently investigate such cases and ensure that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.