The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned three suspects before the Gender Magistrate Court in Awka over separate allegations of incest, defilement and rape.
The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday following the conclusion of police investigations into the alleged offences, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Thursday.
One of the defendants, Ikenna Mojekwu, was arraigned over allegations of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo.
Another suspect, Chibuike Ikemelu, is facing charges of allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in Abatete, an act police said resulted in pregnancy.
The third defendant, Chukwuma Emenike, 16, was arraigned for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
The police said all three suspects were remanded in a correctional centre in line with the orders of the court, while the cases were adjourned to later dates for further hearing.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence, the command said it would continue to investigate and diligently prosecute offenders to ensure justice for victims.
The command also urged victims and members of the public to promptly report cases of sexual and gender-based violence, assuring that all complaints would be treated with the seriousness they deserve while respecting due process and safeguarding the rights of victims.
