High Court Sentences Two Men to Death for Rape, Murder of 17-Year-Old Girl
The Anambra High Court sitting in Ogidi Judicial Division has pronounced the death penalty by hanging on Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu for conspiracy, rape, and the murder of 17-year-old Jennifer Anene.
Justice U. I. Ndigwe, presiding over Suit No. HID/23C/2021, stated that the prosecutions successfully proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge condemned the acts, emphasizing their violation of societal values and the need for accountability.
Prosecution Principal Counsel, Mrs. Florence Abadom-Igweike, reported that the victim, believed to have been mentally impaired, went missing on November 25, 2020, as reported by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene. Three days later, the victim’s family was informed by the first defendant’s wife that she witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the girl as she screamed for help.
The first defendant denied the allegations, claiming he last saw the victim with the second defendant. A mutual acquaintance, identified as Akpuchukwu, allegedly brought the unconscious victim home and fled; he remains at large.
The victim was immediately taken to hospital but was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination revealed bruises, vaginal tears, and signs of severe sexual assault.
Witness testimonies included the victim’s grandfather and a police officer. Evidence such as the post-mortem report, police investigation files, and photographs were also presented. The first defendant’s wife declined to testify despite being summoned.
In their defense, the accused denied the charges. Justice Ndigwe found the evidence sufficient to establish guilt on all counts and imposed the death penalty.
