Court sentences two men to death by hanging over rape, murder of teenage girl in Anambra
The Anambra high court in Ogidi has sentenced two men — Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu — to death by hanging over the rape and murder of Jennifer Anene, a 17-year-old girl.
U. I. Ndigwe, the presiding judge, on Friday, ruled that the prosecution had proved the three-count charge against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
According to NAN, Ndigwe held that the evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts.
The judge said the defendants’ action is a desecration of societal values that require accountability.
During court proceedings, Florence Abadom-Igweike, the principal state counsel, said the deceased, who was reportedly battling mental illness, was reported missing on November 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Pius Anene.
Abadom-Igweike said that three days later, the first defendant’s wife told the deceased’s family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the girl while she was screaming for help.
The state counsel said that when the first defendant was confronted, he said he last saw the deceased in the company of the second defendant and denied allegations of sexual assault.
During court proceedings, Florence Abadom-Igweike, the principal state counsel, said the deceased, who was reportedly battling mental illness, was reported missing on November 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Pius Anene.
Abadom-Igweike said that three days later, the first defendant’s wife told the deceased’s family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the girl while she was screaming for help.
The state counsel said that when the first defendant was confronted, he said he last saw the deceased in the company of the second defendant and denied allegations of sexual assault.
The defendants, who testified in their own defence, denied the allegations.