The Anambra State Police Command has made significant strides in its unwavering commitment to child protection, announcing the arrest of three individuals in connection with separate, profoundly distressing cases of child defilement across the state.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said these decisive actions, spearheaded by the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Gender Unit, underscore a resolute drive to bring perpetrators of such abhorrent crimes to justice.
Details emerging from the Command reveal “the first arrest occurred on 19th August 2025, within the jurisdiction of Oba Division. Police operatives apprehended one Ihechiluru Okorie following a chilling report concerning the defilement of a 14-year-old girl. Mr Okorie is reported to have confessed to forcibly having carnal knowledge of the victim, who had innocently visited his shop for a haircut.
“In a separate incident, on 13th August 2025, officers attached to Eziowelle Division took into custody 28-year-old Chidubem Udem. He stands accused of the defilement of a 5-year-old girl, a case that has sent ripples of shock through the community.
“Investigations indicate that Mr Udem allegedly assaulted the vulnerable child at her grandmother’s residence. A subsequent medical examination at the hospital unequivocally confirmed the defilement, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution.
“The third arrest, on 28th August 2025, saw Ogidi Police operatives apprehend 30-year-old Kalu Ilo in Nkpor. Mr Ilo is implicated in the defilement of his 13-year-old neighbour’s daughter, who is reported to be mentally challenged. Preliminary enquiries suggest that the suspect forcefully engaged in unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl at her home, exploiting her vulnerability.
“All three suspects are currently held in police custody and are slated to appear in court on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, to face charges.”
Speaking on these disturbing developments, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, expressed profound condemnation. “These are acts of unimaginable cruelty against our most vulnerable – our children,” stated CP Orutugu with palpable resolve. “Let me be unequivocally clear: the Anambra State Command will pursue diligent prosecution in each of these cases to ensure justice is not only served but seen to be served for these young victims. We owe them nothing less.”
CP Orutugu further implored the public to exercise heightened vigilance and communal responsibility. “Parents, guardians, and community leaders must remain ever watchful, for the safety of our children rests on our collective vigilance,” he urged. “I implore you to promptly report any incidents of sexual or gender-based violence to your nearest Police Station. The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child and vulnerable person across our beloved state.”
These arrests reflect the Command’s intensified efforts to curb child defilement, sending a resounding message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated within Anambra State, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
