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Summary: Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu have been sentenced to death by hanging for the rape and murder of Jennifer Anene, a 17-year-old teenager. This verdict was pronounced by the presiding judge, Justice U.I Ndigwe of the Anambra High Court in Ogidi Judicial Division on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu have been sentenced to death by hanging for the rape and murder of Jennifer Anene, a 17-year-old teenager. This verdict was pronounced by the presiding judge, Justice U.I Ndigwe of the Anambra High Court in Ogidi Judicial Division on Friday, July 17, 2026.
According to the prosecution, Jenifer was a mentally impaired teenager who was reported missing on November 25, 2020, by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene. Three days later, Elochukwu’s wife disclosed to Jennifer’s family that she saw her husband and others sexually assaulting the deceased as she screamed for help. When Elder Anene confronted him, he denied it, claiming that he had last seen Jennifer with Chukwuebuka Ofokwu. Afterwards, a mutual friend, known as Akpuchukwu, brought the deceased home unconscious. He fled and remains at large. Jennifer was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy revealed bruises, vaginal tears, and clear signs of aggravated sexual assault.
During the court proceedings, the postmortem report, police investigation report and photographs were tendered to the court. After reviewing all the evidence submitted, Justice Ndigwe stated that the prosecution had proved the offences of rape, conspiracy, and murder beyond reasonable doubt.
“This verdict stands as further proof of the commitment and diligence of law officers in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice to ensure that justice is served, no matter how long it takes. The evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts, and they are found guilty and hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Ndigwe pronounced the guilty verdict.
He further described the judgment as an answer to the cry for justice of a child whose blood demanded accountability, and of a society whose values were desecrated.
