Police in Ebonyi State on Friday apprehended a 22-year-old rape suspect, *Miracle Onwe, who’s an indigene of Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu LGA of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP. Aliyu Garba, who addressed newsmen in Abakaliki, through the spokesperson of the police in the state, SP Chris Anyanwu, revealed that the suspect was apprehended through the efforts of Ekumaenyi Police Division, Akeaba, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ayo Mustapha.
The commissioner of police noted further that the suspected rapist, Onwe pushed the 22-year-old victim, down and forcefully slept with her without her consent.
He revealed that the victim was working in a farm at Aboffia village in Ebonyi LGA, Ebonyi State when the suspected rapist suddenly appeared from the rear and pounced on her.
“Immediately after the act, the suspect robbed her of her Infinix Smart 5 phone valued at N45,000 and took to his heels.
“When the girl raised the alarm and drew the attention of passers-by who went after him, the suspect dived into a nearby river with the phone. On getting the information, SP Mustapha Waheed, the DPO C Division Ekumenyi swung into action with his detectives.
“The area was cordoned, and the suspect was drawn out from the river and arrested. He confessed to the crime. Both victim and suspect were taken to FETHA for post-exposure prophylaxis and laboratory tests, respectively. A medical report duly issued by FETHA confirmed that the girl was actually raped.
“The suspect, Miracle Onwe will be arraigned this morning for Rape and Robbery at the appropriate Court in Abakaliki.
“It is pertinent to mention at this juncture that the suspect had earlier this year attempted to rape a minor whom he forcefully grabbed in the company of two of her mates. However, as soon as he stripped the little girl in a bid to defile her, people who were within the vicinity pursued him and he dived into this same river. This has been his modus operandi,” he stated.