By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A three-man syndicate has been arrested by the Police in Anambra for abducting and raping a 24-year-old woman in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects include 25-year-old Ekwugha Innocent Chinazo, a native of Mgbguzo Awkuzu, Chidiebere Ogoegbunam (24), an indigene of Egbu Awkuzu and David Nnaemeka (19) also of same area.

It was gathered that despite collecting N400,000 ransom from the victim’s family, the suspects allegedly raped her repeatedly while in their custody for two days.

News Expresslearnt that the 24-year-old victim residing at St. Michael Hostel was lured to an isolated spot where she was abused on the pretense of securing her a make-up job.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, said: “On the 19/9/2020 at about 2pm, police operatives attached to the Command Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested the following syndicate in Awkuzu, Ekwugha Innocent Chinazo ‘m’ aged 25years of Mgbguzo Awkuzu, Chidiebere Ogoegbunam ‘m’ aged 24years of Egbu Awkuzu and David Nnaemeka ‘m’ aged 19years of same address.

“The suspects had on the 13/9/2020 lured a 24 years old lady residing at St Michael Hostel Temp side Awka under the pretext of securing for her a beauty makeup job, picked her up at Ukpo junction along Enugu - Onitsha Expressway and took her to an isolated building at Awkuzu where they allegedly raped the victim repeatedly while in captivity for two days despite collecting a ransom of four hundred thousand Naira (N400,000) from her relatives.

“Meanwhile, the suspects have voluntarily confessed to the crime, and the victim was taken to the hospital for medical examination. The investigation is still ongoing after which suspects would be brought to book.

“Consequently, the Command enjoined the public to be wary of this new trend of crime and report suspicious persons through the police emergency number 07039194332 or the nearest police station for a prompt response.”