Four suspected rapists were arrested from Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government in Ebonyi state by the state Police Command for assault, attempted rape, robbery, malicious damage and other related offences.
While addressing the press at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, the state police public relations officer, ASP Chris Anyanwu, who showed great displeasure at the alarming rate of rape related cases in the state advised parents, guardians and community leaders to work together to ensure the safety of their people and make sure that perpetrators of such inhumane acts are brought to book.
Mr Anyanwu updated the press on the recent rape cases carried out by the four arrested suspects in the state, he said:
“On June 8, Mrs. Hanna Augustine Chukwu, 82, a native of Umuira Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area, boarded a commuter bus from Enugwulangwu road. The driver, one John Isaac, dropped other passengers and on noticing that the woman was the only one left in the bus, stopped and dragged her to the rear side of the vehicle and raped her.
“After the act, he robbed her of N8,500 and drove away. When he was later apprehended, the suspect admitted committing crime.
“On June 12, at 11 a.m, Happiness Nwali, a 30-year old female from Obeagu Isu Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was in the farm cultivating wheat when one Okwudili Okoye came around and lured her to a nearby uncompleted building where he pounced on her with a motive to rape her.
“A struggle ensued between the duo with the suspect gaining upper hand as he hit the victim on her neck, breast and wrist with bricks in an attempt to strangle her. It was with the help of two passers-by, who were attracted by the loud screams of the victims, that she was rescued.
“On May 16, 2014, Ifeoma Obasi, a 23-year-old SS3 student of All Saints Secondary School, Effium and a native of Okporo village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State hired a motorcycle operated by her close relative, Friday Omenyi.
“On their way, Friday Omenyi veered off towards Okporo forest where he attacked her and tore her dress before having unlawful carnal knowledge of her. When arrested, the suspect confessed to the crime.”
He also added that the suspects would be charged to court after a thorough investigation.
