Police arrest suspected rapist in Ebonyi, recover victim’s phone 

The Ebonyi State Police Command on Friday arrested a 22-year-old rape suspect, *Miracle Onwe, an indigene of Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu LGA of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP. Aliyu Garba, who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki, through the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Chris Anyanwu, said the suspect was arrested through the efforts of Ekumaenyi Police Division, Akeaba, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ayo Mustapha.

The commissioner noted further that the suspect, Onwe pushed the victim, a 22-year-old girl down and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

He said the victim was farming at Aboffia village in Ebonyi LGA, Ebonyi State when suddenly a young man came from the rear and pounced on her.

“Immediately after the act, the suspect robbed her of her Infinix Smart 5 phone valued at N45,000 and took to his heels.

“When the girl raised the alarm and drew the attention of passers-by who went after him, the suspect dived into a nearby river with the phone. On getting the information, SP Mustapha Waheed, the DPO C Division Ekumenyi swung into action with his detectives.

“The area was cordoned, and the suspect was drawn out from the river and arrested. He confessed to the crime. Both victim and suspect were taken to FETHA for post-exposure prophylaxis and laboratory tests, respectively. A medical report duly issued by FETHA confirmed that the girl was actually raped.

“The suspect, Miracle Onwe will be arraigned this morning for Rape and Robbery at the appropriate Court in Abakaliki.

“It is pertinent to mention at this juncture that the suspect had earlier this year attempted to rape a minor whom he forcefully grabbed in the company of two of her mates. However, as soon as he stripped the little girl in a bid to defile her, people who were within the vicinity pursued him and he dived into this same river. This has been his modus operandi,” he stated.