Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned five suspects before a special court sitting in Awka for various offences bordering on rape, incest, child abuse, and sexual assault. Among them is a 46‑year‑old father, Rapuruchukwu Ezenandu, who allegedly engaged in sexual relations with his daughter from the age of 17, infecting her with HIV. The case came to light after the 20‑year‑old victim tested positive for the virus during a hospital visit. Ezenandu has since made a confessional statement to investigators. The five suspects were brought before the court on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, following the conclusion of investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement. He said the five suspects were arraigned on Wednesday before a Special Court sitting in Awka. He added that the offences were committed in different locations across the state. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the cases as heinous and unacceptable and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
Among the suspects, the case of Rapuruchukwu Ezenandu stands out as particularly disturbing. On April 23, 2026, a case of incest involving a 20‑year‑old victim was transferred from Oko Police Station. Investigation revealed that the suspect, a 46‑year‑old man, allegedly engaged in sexual relations with his daughter since she was 17 years old. The matter only came to light after the victim tested HIV positive during a hospital visit. The suspect has made a confessional statement to the police. In addition to Ezenandu, the police also arraigned a 26‑year‑old security guard, Chukwuemeka Chidiebere. The Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department on April 22, 2026, received a case of defilement of a 16‑year‑old girl from Ogbunike Police Division Headquarters. Preliminary investigation revealed that Chidiebere, a security personnel at an estate in the area, allegedly attacked the victim while she was on her way to visit a friend within the estate. He was said to have dragged her into an uncompleted building within the estate where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The suspect has made a confessional statement.
Another suspect, Uchenna Muojama, 36, was charged with defilement of an 11‑year‑old girl. The case was transferred from Neni Police Divisional Headquarters on April 23, 2026. Investigators said the suspect allegedly lured the victim inside his barbing saloon and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. Investigators have obtained a medical report for court proceedings. In another case, a 52‑year‑old man, Chukwudi Nwayata, was taken to court following a report from the Central Police Station in Awka. The report, dated April 21, 2025, alleged that Nwayata took advantage of the mental situation of an 11‑year‑old girl, lured her to his house and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
The fifth suspect, Eucharia Ezenwanne, a female, was charged with child abuse. On April 28, 2026, she allegedly subjected two children, Echetuna Ezenwanne, aged six, and Chikaima Ezenwanne, aged four, to severe physical abuse, reportedly using a wire to inflict injuries. The suspect claimed to have adopted the children from a motherless babies’ home in Onitsha. All five suspects were arraigned before the Special Court in Awka on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The police have gathered substantial evidence, including confessional statements and medical reports, for court proceedings.
The Commissioner of Police has reaffirmed the command’s resolve to continue fighting sexual and child abuse in the state, urging parents and guardians to report such offences promptly to the police for necessary action.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments