By Chinelo Okeke
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit in Anambra State has secured a major conviction following the assumption of office by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN).
The judgment, delivered on April 17, 2026, in a case between the State and Onyedika Okafor, saw the defendant sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment for rape and unlawful imprisonment.
The court heard that the convict, aged 30 at the time of arrest, armed himself with a gun and stormed the residence of the victim at Ezi Ifite village, Awka, where she lived with her aunt. He reportedly demanded that the victim come out, and despite attempts by neighbours to intervene, they were unable to do so as the assailant brandished the firearm.
He subsequently abducted the victim to an uncompleted building where he raped her. The victim was later released around 3:00 a.m., after which her aunt reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
During interrogation, the defendant claimed that the victim was his girlfriend and insisted he had committed no offence.
At trial, the prosecution, led by Chikodili Enemo Esq., called four witnesses, including the victim, her aunt, the investigating police officer, and a medical doctor who conducted an examination and confirmed physical trauma consistent with sexual assault.
The defence’s case was discredited under cross-examination by the prosecuting counsel.
In her judgment, Honourable Justice Peace Otti found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment for rape and an additional two years for unlawful imprisonment.
The court also ordered that the convict be registered as a sexual offender in the state.
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