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Summary
The DOHS Cares Foundation has demanded justice for 22-year-old Ugochi Anosike, who was raped and murdered by her neighbour, ‘Black Maria,’ with the help of the landlord’s daughter in Port Harcourt. The organisation condemned the police’s delay, lack of transparency, and failure to act swiftly, urging authorities to ensure justice for Ugochi.
The DOHS Cares Foundation has called for justice following the rape and murder of 22-year-old Ugochi Anosike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to reports, the main suspect, known only by the alias ‘Black Maria’, was a neighbour of the victim. Ugochi had reportedly complained about being harassed by him in the past to Chioma, the landlord’s daughter.
In a horrific turn of events, Ugochi was reportedly raped and strangled by ‘Black Maria’ in her room. Chioma, who was present during the assault, reportedly held down the victim’s legs while the abuse took place.
Despite the gravity of the crime, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to release the suspect’s full identity or issue a formal statement on the case. The DOHS Foundation expressed concern over what it described as the lack of transparency and apparent delay in the investigation, especially given the involvement of the landlord’s daughter and the decision to withhold critical details from the public.
In addition, the Foundation condemned the financial burden of the autopsy placed on the victim’s grieving family, stressing that the state is legally responsible for covering such costs in criminal cases.
“The absence of a formal statement, the reluctance to acknowledge the co-perpetrator’s involvement, and the failure to release the suspect’s full identity all suggest an intentional delay in justice,” the DOHS Foundation said.
The organisation affirmed its stance against gender-based violence, calling on the authorities to act swiftly.
“We refuse to have this case become yet another addition to the growing list of gender-based violence incidents without justice. The perpetrators, ‘Black Maria’ and Chioma, must be charged. Ugochi deserves justice,” the statement concluded.
