Stephanie Peter, Uyo

The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned three suspects before the Gender Magistrate Court sitting in Awka over separate allegations of incest, rape and defilement of a minor.

The suspects were arraigned following the conclusion of investigations into the separate cases, the command said.

One of the suspects, Ikenna Mojekwu, is facing an alleged incest charge for reportedly engaging in unlawful sexual acts with his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Another suspect, Chibuike Ikemelu, was arraigned for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy. The alleged offence occurred in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The third suspect, 16-year-old Chukwuma Emenike, is facing charges over the alleged defilement of an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji, also in Idemili North Local Government Area.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ikenga said the suspects were arraigned on Wednesday following the conclusion of investigations into the separate cases.

The police spokesperson said the arraignments formed part of the command’s efforts to ensure that suspects in cases of sexual and gender-based violence are brought before the court in accordance with the law.