Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned 12 suspects before a Gender Magistrate Court in Awka over alleged offences ranging from rape, defilement and child abuse to abduction and assault.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were arraigned on Wednesday following investigations into separate cases involving minors and other vulnerable persons across the state.
Ikenga said among those arraigned were Chima Onyeanuna, Emeka Muo and Okafor Chibundu, who are facing allegations of abducting and defiling a 14-year-old girl in Nanka.
In a separate case, Chukwudi Ugwu Jeremiah was arraigned over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl along Slaughter Lane in Awka.
The police spokesman also disclosed that Ndubuisi Ikechebelu, Udogu Kennedy, Nnamah Christopher and Chinecherem Emmanuel were brought before the court over allegations that they raped a 19-year-old woman on different occasions, resulting in her pregnancy.
Similarly, Charity Anakwe and Chidiere Anakwe were arraigned for allegedly assaulting their 12-year-old house help.
The court also heard the case against Chukwudi Joseph, who was arraigned over the alleged assault of a 12-year-old girl in Ozubulu, while Chibuike Agu was charged with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl in Fegge.
According to Ikenga, the Gender Magistrate Court ordered that all the suspects be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their respective cases.
The police spokesperson said the Command remained committed to protecting women, children and other vulnerable persons from abuse.
”The Command reiterates its zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, and all forms of violence against vulnerable persons. The Command 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,” Ikenga stated.
He urged residents to promptly report cases of sexual abuse, domestic violence and other offences against vulnerable persons to the police, assuring that every complaint would receive the attention it deserves.
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