The Nigeria police Command in Anambra State has arraigned three suspects including a father before the Gender Magistrate court sitting in Awka over separate allegations of incest, defilement and rape.
The suspects, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were arraigned on Wednesday after the conclusion of police investigations into the cases.
Ikenga, in a statement issued on Thursday, identified one of the suspects as Ikenna Mojekwu, who was arraigned for allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo.
He said another suspect, Chibuike Ikemelu, was docked for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in Abatete, an act police said resulted in pregnancy.
The police spokesman added that the third suspect, Chukwuma Emenike, 16, was arraigned over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
According to him, the Gender Magistrate Court remanded the three suspects in a correctional centre, while the matters were adjourned to later dates for further hearing.
“The suspects were arraigned after investigations by the police and were remanded in accordance with the orders of the court. The matters have been adjourned to later dates for further hearing,” the statement read.
Ikenga said the command remained committed to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
He reiterated the resolve of the police to thoroughly investigate and diligently prosecute all cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, urging victims and members of the public to promptly report such offences.
The police spokesman assured that every report would be treated with the seriousness it deserves while safeguarding the rights of victims and ensuring due process.
