From Ikenna Emejulu, Awka
Police operatives in Anambra State have rescued a heavily pregnant 15-year-old girl, and arrested a middle-aged suspect accused of defilement and child exploitation.
The rescue took place during an evening raid, targeting a youth network notorious for distributing crystal methamphetamine, locally known as Mkpuru Mmiri, around St. Paul’s Secondary School in Achalla.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering.
”Acting on information received over time regarding the activities of some youths allegedly involved in the use of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as Mkpuru Mmiri, our tactical team conducted a raid around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla.
“During the peak of the operation, operatives observed a middle-aged man in a compromising situation with a minor. The team immediately intervened, rescued the heavily pregnant 15-year-old girl, and arrested the suspect, identified as Tochukwu Nwora,” Ikenga said.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations have uncovered a deeply disturbing pattern of systemic abuse.
”Our initial findings suggest that this victim has been repeatedly defiled by several adult males at different times in Nando, Nteje, and Achalla. These suspects deliberately preyed on her vulnerable condition, using small amounts of money to exploit her.
”We have moved the victim to the Police Hospital in Awka, where she is currently undergoing comprehensive medical examinations and receiving the necessary care,” Ikenga revealed.
To ensure justice is fully served, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikoye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has ordered that the case be escalated immediately.
”The Commissioner of Police has directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive, top-to-bottom investigation.
“Specifically, detectives have been mandated to investigate whether the parents or guardians of the minor are culpable in any way, ensuring that every single individual involved in this exploitation faces the full weight of the law,” he stated.
SP Ikenga reiterated the command’s uncompromising stance on child protection, adding that the arrested suspect, Nwora, is currently assisting detectives.
”The Command strongly condemns all forms of child abuse, exploitation, and violence against minors. We want to reassure the public of our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and securing justice for victims.
“The suspect is cooperating and providing useful information that will help us track down and apprehend all other fleeing accomplices,” Ikenga added.