By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a barber who allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old girl who visited his shop for a haircut and three other suspects in separate cases of child defilement across the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga ,in a press release made available to journalists in Awka said that the arrests were made by operatives of the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department following reports from Oba, Eziowelle, and Ogidi Divisions, all in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

He said, in the first case reported on August 19, 2025, police operatives attached to Oba Division arrested one Ihechiluru Okorie for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl.

Ikenga said the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that he forcefully had carnal knowledge of the victim inside his barbershop.

The statement reads in part: “The second incident occurred on August 13, 2025, in Eziowelle, where Chidubem Udem, aged 28, was arrested for allegedly defiling a 5-year-old girl. Investigations revealed that the suspect visited the victim at her grandmother’s residence and committed the act. The child was immediately taken to a hospital, where medical examination confirmed the assault.

“The third case, Kalu Ilo, aged 30, was arrested on August 28, 2025, by Ogidi Division operatives for allegedly defiling his neighbor’s 13-year-old daughter, who is mentally challenged. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect entered the victim’s home in Nkpor and forcefully assaulted her.”

“All three suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

In his reaction, the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the acts and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to securing justice for the victims. .

He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and report any incidents of sexual or gender-based violence promptly.

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