AWKA, Nigeria — An Anambra State lawmaker accused of raping a 24-year-old woman reportedly attempted to escape from police custody after a magistrate ordered his detention.
Bernard Udemezue, who represents Ayamelum Constituency in the State House of Assembly, appeared before a magistrate in Amawbia on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He denied the allegation and told the court that the sexual encounter was consensual.
The magistrate reportedly refused his application for bail and ordered him remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Udemezue allegedly fled the courthouse shortly afterwards. Police officers pursued him through nearby bushes and reportedly fired shots into the air before recapturing him.
The account was published by 247Ureports. The reported escape and use of firearms have not been independently confirmed.
Rape Allegation Dates Back to May
The case arose from a complaint by a professional chef from Enugu State.
According to the report, the woman met Udemezue in Awka in May after he offered to help her find employment.
The two exchanged contact information and later met at a restaurant.
The woman alleged that Udemezue subsequently took her to his residence against her wishes.
She accused him of raping and physically assaulting her when she resisted his advances.
The alleged attack left her with injuries to her face, according to the account.
She further alleged that the lawmaker gave her money for medication and threatened her with consequences if she reported what had happened.
The woman subsequently made a complaint to the police.
Udemezue disputes her account. No court has established his guilt.
Lawmaker Denies Allegations, Claims Political Motive
The police reportedly invited Udemezue for questioning after receiving the complaint.
According to 247Ureports, he did not honour the invitations and travelled to Abuja.
The publication reported that officers arrested him in Awka on Tuesday, after he returned to the state in connection with his plans to seek re-election in 2027.
He was brought before Magistrate Onochie at the court handling sexual and gender-based violence cases in Amawbia.
The case was identified as MAN/CSGB/97/c/2026.
Udemezue, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was represented by three lawyers.
He maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual and accused political opponents of attempting to destroy his reputation.
He claimed the allegations were intended to undermine his political career ahead of the next general election.
The complainant was also reportedly present in court.
According to the account, she produced messages on her telephone which she said contained threats from the lawmaker.
The messages have not been independently examined, and their evidential significance remains a matter for the court.
Police Reportedly Pursue Lawmaker After Bail Refusal
The court proceedings reportedly took an unexpected turn after the magistrate refused bail.
Udemezue became emotional as he defended himself against the allegations.
Following the remand order, he allegedly pushed past court officials and police personnel and ran out of the premises.
Officers pursued him towards St. Paul’s Anglican Church, where he reportedly entered nearby bushes.
An eyewitness quoted by 247Ureports said police fired live ammunition into the air during the pursuit.
“He pushed us and ran away from the court all the way to St. Paul’s Anglican Church before he was caught,” the witness said.
The officers eventually apprehended the lawmaker, according to the report.
He was subsequently taken to the Awka Correctional Centre.
It was not immediately clear whether authorities would investigate the reported escape separately or whether additional charges might arise from the incident.
The Anambra State Police Command had not issued an independently verified statement confirming the circumstances of the pursuit.
Lawmaker Previously Suspended After Dispute With Assembly
Udemezue’s latest legal difficulties come after a public disagreement with the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
In August 2025, the Assembly suspended him for three months over comments he made on social media about the legislature’s finances and constituency allocations.
The lawmaker had disclosed that members received ₦10 million quarterly for constituency projects. He also complained that Ayamelum was being marginalised.
The Assembly accused Udemezue of conduct that undermined the institution.
Udemezue rejected the accusations and maintained that he was being punished for informing his constituents about public funds.
The Assembly subsequently extended his suspension by another three months, citing his failure to comply with its disciplinary directives.
He was reinstated in February 2026.
The Assembly lifted the suspension after reviewing the matter.
The earlier dispute provides context for Udemezue’s claim that he has political opponents. It does not establish that the rape complaint is politically motivated.
Criminal Proceedings Remain Pending
The reported remand places Udemezue in custody while the allegations against him proceed through the courts.
The identity of the complainant has been withheld to protect her privacy.
Details of the next hearing were not immediately available.
The reported detention also leaves questions about the security arrangements at the courthouse, particularly the allegation that an accused person escaped after a remand order.
An official account from the police or court authorities would be necessary to establish the circumstances of the reported pursuit and gunfire.
Udemezue remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
