High Court of Anambra State, Ogidi Judicial Division, has convicted and sentenced Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy, rape, and murder.
In a judgment delivered by Hon. Justice U. I. Ndigwe of High Court 3, Ogidi, the court condemned the gruesome acts of the convicts which led to the death of their victim.
The case of the prosecution led by F.C. Abadom-Igweike, Principal State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, was that the deceased, Jennifer Anene, aged 17 and mentally impaired, was reported missing on 25th November 2020 by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.
Three days later, the wife of the 1st Defendant came to the deceased’s home and reported seeing her husband and others sexually assaulting Jennifer as she screamed for help. When Elder Anene confronted the 1st Defendant, he denied it and claimed he had last seen Jennifer with the 2nd Defendant.
Shortly after, a mutual friend, Akpuchukwu, brought Jennifer home unconscious and fled. He remains at large.
The deceased was rushed to hospital on police instruction but was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy revealed bruises, vaginal tears, and clear signs of aggravated sexual assault.
The prosecution called two witnesses: the deceased’s grandfather and the investigating police officer. It also tendered the postmortem report, police investigation report, and photographs. The eyewitness, the 1st Defendant’s wife, refused to testify despite being served.
The Defendants testified in their own defense and advanced a case of complete denial.
After reviewing all evidence and submissions, Hon. Justice Ndigwe held that the prosecution had proved the offenses of rape, conspiracy, and murder beyond reasonable doubt.
