Anambra court holds three suspects for incest and child abuse

A magistrate court in Awka, Anambra State, has remanded three suspects. They were brought in by the state police for separate charges of incest, defilement, and rape after police investigations.

One of the suspects is Ikenna Mojekwu. He faces charges for allegedly having unlawful sexual relations with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area.

This information came from a press statement released on Thursday by Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state police command.

According to Ikenga, the suspects were brought to court on Wednesday following the end of police investigations. He mentioned another suspect, Chibuike Ikemelu, who is accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in Abatete, resulting in pregnancy.

The third suspect is Chukwuma Emenike, a 16-year-old. He is facing allegations of defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji, Idemili North.

Ikenga added that the arraignment shows the police's commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

The statement said, "The suspects were arraigned on separate charges of alleged incest, defilement, and rape after investigations by the police.

"Among those arraigned is Ikenna Mojekwu, 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, which led to pregnancy in Abatete. The third suspect, Chukwuma Emenike, aged 16, 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 according to the court's orders. The cases have been adjourned to later dates for further hearing."

Ikenga also emphasized the police's determination to investigate and prosecute all cases of sexual and gender-based violence. He encouraged victims and the public to report such offenses quickly.

He assured that every report will be taken seriously, while also ensuring the rights of victims are protected and due process is followed.