Four former operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Operation Udo-ga-achi, have been arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka for allegedly assaulting a female National Youth Service Corps member serving in the state.

The accused — Emmanuel Samson (29), Jude Obasi (43), Michael Ndudirim (28), and Ezinwanne Nweke (27) — were charged alongside others now at large.

In the seven-count charge filed by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, the defendants were accused of conspiring to commit felony, indecently assaulting, inflicting physical injuries, stripping and unlawfully intimidating a corps member at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

According to the charge sheet obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday, the four defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following a bail application by the defence counsel, the Presiding Chief Magistrate, U.E. Onochie, granted them bail and adjourned the case.

“This case is hereby adjourned to the 14th day of January, 2026 for definite hearing,” the magistrate said.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, for comments on why only four of the eight dismissed operatives were arraigned were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone were not returned.

The assault, which occurred in July 2025, sparked widespread outrage after a viral video showed armed members of Operation Udo-ga-achi invading a corps member’s lodge and beating a female corps member, identified as Jennifer Elohor.

The Anambra State Government subsequently dismissed the eight personnel involved after an internal investigation.

The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, had described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” saying the government immediately handed the operatives over to the police for prosecution.

He added that the government paid the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged valuables and apologised publicly to her family and the NYSC.

Emeakayi stressed that the Soludo administration would not tolerate any form of brutality or unprofessional conduct by security operatives.

“This government is committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in all security engagements,” he said. (The PUNCH)