The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned six suspects before the Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka over separate cases involving allegations of defilement, sexual assault, child abuse, assault and the alleged unlawful procurement of abortion involving minors.
The suspects were arraigned on September 23 after investigations into the various cases, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the police, Chinedu Chiekwu of Umuoli Village was arraigned over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old child on September 6. Sunday Anele was also arraigned over an allegation of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, which allegedly resulted in pregnancy.
The Command said Ugochukwu Okereke was arraigned over an allegation of luring a 13-year-old girl into a nearby bush and sexually assaulting her, while Ebuka Nwachukwu was arraigned over an allegation of luring a six-year-old child into his room in Okpoko and sexually abusing her.
The police further said Ogechi Ofoma of Awada, Obosi, was arraigned over an allegation of using a heated kitchen knife to inflict multiple injuries on her five-year-old daughter, Oluebube Ofoma.
Another suspect, Obianuju Okafor, was arraigned over an allegation relating to the unlawful procurement of abortion for her 15-year-old daughter.
The Command also provided an update on a widely circulated video involving a 36-year-old woman allegedly seen engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct involving her child.
The police said investigations had been concluded and the case file forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal action, adding that the suspect remains in police custody pending further proceedings.
Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual abuse, exploitation and violence, assuring that victims and survivors would continue to receive dignity, sensitivity and appropriate protection throughout the investigative and legal process.
