Anambra Police Arrest Five Over Rape, Incest and Child Abuse Cases, Suspects to Be Dragged Before Court

A major crackdown on sexual and child abuse offences has led to the arrest of five suspects in Anambra State, with police confirming that all cases have been concluded and preparations are underway for court prosecution.

The Anambra State Police Command says the arrests follow multiple investigations handled by its Gender Unit and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), covering incest, rape, defilement, and severe child abuse cases across different communities.

One of the most disturbing cases involves a 46-year-old man, Rapuruchukwu Ezenandu, accused of incest involving a 20-year-old victim. Police say the abuse allegedly began when the victim was 17 and only came to light after she tested positive for HIV during a hospital visit. Authorities also confirmed that the suspect has admitted to the allegations in a confessional statement.

In another case, a woman identified as Eucharia Ezenwanne is accused of violently abusing two children, aged 6 and 4, with reports indicating she inflicted injuries using a wire. The suspect claimed she adopted the children from a motherless babies’ home in Onitsha, a claim now under police scrutiny.

Police also arrested a 26-year-old security personnel, Chukwuemeka Chidiebere, over allegations of rape involving a 16-year-old girl within an estate in Ogbunike. Investigators say the suspect allegedly attacked the victim and dragged her into an uncompleted building where the assault occurred. He has also reportedly confessed.

In a separate incident, a 36-year-old barber, Uchenna Muojama, is accused of defiling an 11-year-old girl inside his barbing salon after allegedly luring her in. Police confirmed that a medical report has been obtained to support court proceedings.

Another suspect, Chukwudi Nwayata, aged 52, is facing charges of defilement after allegedly taking advantage of an 11-year-old girl with mental challenges. The case, originally reported in 2025, was transferred to Awka for further investigation.

Police say all five cases were thoroughly investigated by the SCID, with evidence and confessional statements already compiled ahead of prosecution.

The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Special Court sitting in Awka, as authorities move to fast-track justice for the victims.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the offences as “heinous and unacceptable,” reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring offenders face the full weight of the law.