The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three men in separate cases of defilement involving minors aged between five and 14 years.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday. He said the suspects were apprehended in Eziowelle, Oba, and Ogidi areas of the state, following reports made to the respective police divisions.
According to Ikenga, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Gender Unit have already gathered sufficient evidence for prosecution.
“The Anambra State Police Operatives of the Gender Unit have secured evidence for the prosecution of three arrested suspects in separate incidents of defilement reported in Eziowelle, Oba, and Ogidi Divisions of the State,” the statement partly read.
He said the first case involved a 14-year-old girl who went to a barbershop in Oba on August 19, 2025. The barber, identified as Ihechiluru Okorie, allegedly forced himself on the victim. He was immediately arrested by police operatives attached to the Oba Division.
In the second case, which occurred on August 13, 2025, Chidubem Udem, 28, was arrested by police in Eziowelle for defiling a five-year-old girl at her grandmother’s house. A medical examination later confirmed the assault.
Similarly, on August 28, 2025, Kalu Ilo, 30, was arrested in Ogidi after allegedly defiling his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter, who is mentally challenged, in Nkpor.
Ikenga confirmed that all suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as “inhuman and unacceptable.” He assured that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law.
“The Command will ensure diligent prosecution to secure justice for the victims. We urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report any incidents of sexual or gender-based violence,” the CP said.
The police also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and other vulnerable persons across the state.
