The Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka has remanded 12 suspects in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service for alleged various offences bordering on rape, defilement, child abuse, abduction, and assault.
The accused persons were arraigned by the police in Anambra State before the Court on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Nigeria police Command in the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Among those arraigned are Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu, over the alleged abduction and defilement of a 14-year old girl in Nanka.
In a separate Case, the Operatives also arraigned Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah for the alleged defilement of an 11-year old girl, along Slaughter Lane, Awka.
Also arraigned before the Court were Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher, and Chinecherem Emmanuel.
The quartet are facing allegations of raping a 19-year old girl on different occasions, resulting in her pregnancy, according to the police spokesman.
Similarly, Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe were arraigned over the alleged assault of their 12-year old house help.
The court also heard the case against Chukwudi Joseph, who was arraigned for allegedly assaulting a 12-year old girl in Ozubulu, while Chibuike Agu was arraigned for the alleged defilement of a 13-year old girl in Fegge.
Following their arraignment, the Court ordered that all the suspects be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their respective cases.
Speaking on the development, the police Command reiterated its zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, and all forms of violence against vulnerable persons in the State.
The police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and children from all forms of abuse and ensuring justice for survivors.
It also assures 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.
