Police arrest suspect who gang raped pregnant woman to death

Police in Rivers state, southern Nigeria, have arrested a suspect who kidnapped a pregnant woman and gang raped her to death.

The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed According to the arrest report published by Punch newspaper, the suspect was only identified as Emeka.

Punch published the story on Friday, but did not disclose when police confirmed the suspect’s arrest.

There was reportedly a disagreement between the victim, Chigbewejim Steward, a five-month pregnant woman from Abarikpo community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of ​​Rivers State, and the suspect.

The suspect led a gang of men to the victim’s residence on February 12, 2023, broke into her house at midnight, abducted her and then raped her to death.

The suspect fled the community after committing the crime for fear of arrest, but was eventually arrested 15 months after the incident.

The late husband, Lawyer Steward, confirmed the arrest to Punch newspaper in Port Harcourt and appealed to the government to ensure justice is done for his late wife.

According to the clergyman Steward, Emeka planned his wife’s death after an argument broke out between them. His wife then called him “an evil person”.

“He told my wife that she would see evil that day.

“That night on Sunday, around 1 a.m., these bad guys came to my house, broke down the door and took my wife.

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“My wife was five months pregnant. Emeka and his gang raped and strangled her. The police arrested him on Thursday. I went to the station to give my statement. I want the government to intervene so that justice is done.”

Mr Steward said his wife’s body was discovered at a fish pond a few hours after her abduction, showing extensive bruising and bleeding in her private parts.

State police said the suspect would be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation and prosecution.