Nigerian judge hands down capital punishment to pair convicted of raping and killing a teenage girl with mental disabilities in Anambra state

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The High Court of Anambra State, Ogidi Judicial Division, presided over by Justice U.I Ndigwe, has convicted and sentenced two men, Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu, to death by hanging for conspiracy, rape and the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.

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In the charge sheet, Suit No. HID/23C/2021, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the two defendants were tried on a three-count charge, and the prosecution had proved the three counts against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

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According to the charge sheet, the case was decided on Wednesday, with the trial judge condemning the acts, describing them as a violation that demanded accountability and had desecrated societal values.

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Leading the prosecution, the Principal State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Florence Abadom-Igweike, told the court that the deceased, Jenifer, said to be mentally impaired, was reported missing on November 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.

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Three days later, the wife of the first defendant came to the deceased’s home and reported seeing her husband and others sexually assaulting Jennifer as she screamed for help.

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When Elder Anene confronted the first defendant, he denied it and claimed he had last seen Jennifer with the second defendant.

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Shortly after, a mutual friend, identified as “Akpuchukwu”, brought Jennifer home unconscious and fled. He remains at large.

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The deceased was rushed to a hospital on police instruction, but was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy revealed bruises, vaginal tears, and clear signs of aggravated sexual assault.

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The prosecution called two witnesses: the deceased’s grandfather and the investigating police officer.

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It also tendered the postmortem report, police investigation report and photographs. The eyewitness, the first defendant’s wife, refused to testify despite being served.

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The defendants testified in their own defence and advanced a case of complete denial of the allegations.

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After reviewing all evidence and submissions, Justice Ndigwe held that the prosecution had proved the offences of rape, conspiracy, and murder beyond reasonable doubt.

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Delivering judgment, the judge held that, “This judgment answers the cry for justice of a child whose blood demanded accountability, and of a society whose values were desecrated.

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“This verdict stands as further proof of the commitment and diligence of law officers in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice to ensure that justice is served, no matter how long it takes.

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“The evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts, and they are found guilty and hereby sentenced to death by hanging.”

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