Anambra: Victim identifies arrested gunman as rapist, police recover more arms

An armed man arrested by police operatives days ago in a popular hotel has been found to be a rapist and robber who operates within Anambra State capital, Awka.

Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga in a press release sent to Newsmen on Tuesday stated that the suspect was identified after his photograph was sent out.

“A 24-year-old graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has come forward to allege that the suspect robbed and raped her at gunpoint at another hotel in Awka on 11th July, 2023.

“She stated that the suspect was among the criminals that abducted her when she boarded a tricycle along Ifite to Aroma Junction on 10/7/2023. They took her to a hotel within the area, dispossess her of her personal belongings and raped her before she was allowed to go.

“The victim who looked traumatized identified her phone among the phones recovered from the suspect.

“When interrogated on the new allegation, suspect admitted to robbing the suspect at gun point, but denied the rape charge. He also provided names of his two accomplices.”

Ikenga revealed that aside from the Beretta pistol found in the possession of the suspect upon his arrest two days ago, two more pistols have been recovered from him.

He also added that the management of another hotel where he lodged, on seeing the police publication, had alerted the police that the suspect lodged in one of the hotel rooms before his arrest at another hotel.

“Detectives then proceeded to the hotel and searched the room where he lodged only to discover two more Beretta pistols among his personal effects.

“Information has been received that the suspect is responsible for the murder of at least two persons in separate incidents in Awka in the last three months,” Ikenga added.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has ordered detectives to leave no stone unturned in their investigation to protect society and get justice for victims of the suspect’s alleged crimes.

“He also urged residents to report suspicious persons and unusual movement they may observe to the nearest police station or through the command emergency number 112 or call 07039194332 for prompt response,” he said.