In a testament to robust community-police collaboration, operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have successfully apprehended a 20-year-old suspect in connection with a deeply disturbing incident of armed robbery and defilement that occurred in Aguata.
The arrest, made possible with the crucial assistance of local security outfits, underscores the unwavering commitment of the Command to ensuring justice and public safety.
Chigbo Umeugokwe, a 20-year-old male from Umuezeiyi Village, Achina, Aguata LGA, was taken into custody on 11th November 2025 by officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gender Unit, Awka. He is accused of a heinous crime committed on 29th October 2025, when he allegedly invaded a shop within the same community.
According to police reports, the suspect, reportedly clad in a red polo shirt fashioned into a makeshift face mask, was armed with a locally made single-barrel gun and a small axe. He is alleged to have forcibly abducted a 13-year-old girl from the shop, leading her to a nearby bush where he subsequently subjected her to unlawful carnal knowledge. Furthermore, Umeugokwe is accused of stealing the sum of ₦30,000 from the premises before fleeing.
Speaking on the significant breakthrough, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, lauded the efficacy of community engagement in combating crime.
“This arrest is a direct result of the invaluable partnership between our dedicated officers and the vigilant community security outfits in Aguata,” SP Tochukwu stated.
“It sends a clear message: those who seek to perpetrate such vile acts will find no hiding place in Anambra. We remain resolute in our mission to protect our citizens, especially the vulnerable, and ensure that justice is not only served but seen to be served.”
During the interrogation process, Umeugokwe reportedly made a voluntary confessional statement. Police also confirmed the recovery of crucial exhibits from the suspect, including the locally made single-barrel gun, the small axe, and the red polo shirt believed to have been used as a face mask during the incident.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that Chigbo Umeugokwe is scheduled to be formally arraigned in court on Wednesday, 19th November 2025. This swift progression to prosecution reaffirms the Command’s pledge to bring offenders to account and uphold the rule of law across the state.
“Our commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and bringing perpetrators of such horrific crimes to account remains absolute,” SP Tochukwu added, reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and armed robbery.
