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Ikenna Mojekwu has been arraigned before the Gender Magistrate Court in Awka, Anambra State, over allegations that he sexually abused his 14-year-old daughter. He was remanded in custody following his arraignment, while the matter was adjourned to a later date for further hearing.
The Anambra State Police Command announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. According to the police, the alleged incident occurred in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area, after which investigators concluded their inquiries before filing charges before the Gender Magistrate Court.
Mojekwu was among three suspects brought before the court in separate cases involving alleged offences against children. Police said Chibuike Ikemelu was arraigned over allegations involving a 14-year-old girl, while 16-year-old Chukwuma Emenike was also arraigned in connection with allegations involving an eight-year-old child. The police said all three suspects were remanded in line with the court’s orders, and the matters have been adjourned for further proceedings. Although the three cases are unrelated, they were all brought before the same Gender Magistrate Court after separate police investigations into allegations involving children. Their arraignment on the same day reflects the volume of child sexual offence cases currently making their way through the criminal justice system in Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking on the arraignments, the police said they demonstrate the command’s commitment to investigating sexual and gender based violence and ensuring that those accused face the judicial process. The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspected abuse promptly, assuring that complaints would be handled in accordance with the law.
Abuse involving a parent or caregiver can be especially difficult to confront because children often depend on the very adults accused of harming them. Fear, shame, family pressure and concerns about not being believed can make it harder for a child to speak up or seek help. When reports do reach the authorities, the legal process becomes just one part of a much longer journey towards safety and recovery.
As the case continues before the court, for the 14-year-old girl at the centre of this case, the court proceedings are only one part of what comes next. While the court will determine the case before it, the proceedings also reflect the responsibility of families and institutions to take children’s disclosures seriously and to ensure that every child can seek protection without fear or silence.
