In recent news, Okpara Chidiebere, aged 36, and Nwali Joseph, aged 37, were charged by the police with conspiracy and sexual assault. Magistrate Lillian Ogodo did not accept the suspects’ plea for reasons of territorial jurisdiction.
She also rejected the defense lawyer’s request for bail. Ogodo ordered that they be remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional Center as the court does not have jurisdiction to deal with the charges.
She therefore adjourned the matter until April 5 to obtain legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Earlier, ASP Eze Ndubuaku, prosecuting counsel, told the court that Chidiebere committed the offense on February 18 at Ugwuachara in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
Ndubuaku also explained that Joseph committed the offense in November 2023, at his barber shop, Police Junction, Ugwuachara.
This case highlights the importance of protecting victims of such heinous acts and the need to prevent such incidents in the future. The relevant authorities must redouble their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.