By Emegwoako C. Paschal
Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent beating and stripping of a woman, Anthonia Okonkwo, for allegedly picking snails from a shrine in Agunese Afam – Mmaku in Enugu State’s Awgu Council area.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe, spokesman for the Enugu Police Command, announced this in a statement on Friday, November 4th, reiterating that such acts of torture, dehumanizing and degrading treatment are still unacceptable.
He stated that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a full-scale investigation into the case involving over 20 youths from the community.
“As a result, six (6) male suspects have been arrested, including one Okoro Stan, 46, who is accused of leading others in the act of beating and parading the said victim around the community.”
“Others are Jonathan Nwangene, 43, Maduabuchi Madueke, 34, Obioma Nwangene, 39, Anikene Samuel, 24, and Chukwuebuka Agu, 32.” Furthermore, frantic investigations are underway to apprehend others who remain at large.
According to the police statement, an investigation into the case revealed that the suspects also beat up and injured the victim’s husband and brother when they attempted to stop them from carrying out the act.
“To that end, the Commissioner has directed that the investigation be completed as soon as possible and the perpetrators arraigned, while categorically condemning the said acts of torture, dehumanization, and degradation of the victim’s person in violation of existing laws, particularly those bordering on her dignity and fundamental human rights.”
“As a result, the CP urges citizens of the State, particularly traditional rulers and other community leaders, to exercise extreme caution when enforcing traditional or customary norms on their subjects, particularly if doing so will result in a violation of the constitutionally enshrined fundamental rights of the person.”
