Police have arrested a middle-aged man, Ifeanyi Ezenwankwo from Agbiligba Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State for allegedly brutalizing his wife, Ekwutosi, children and burying a newborn baby in a shallow grave.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, September 28, by Chidimma Ikeanyonwu, the Media Aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
“One Ekwutosi Ezenwankwo from Agbiligba Nanka has been rescued from her alleged ritualist husband, Ifeanyi Ezenwankwo, for refusing to aid his criminal activities,” the statement read.
‘’According to the Ekwutosi, her husband habitually impregnated a 16-year-old girl and aborted the baby but he ran out of luck when the teenager became pregnant again.
“She noted that when she discovered what was happening, she quickly warned that nothing should happen to the girl or her child which made the husband Ifeanyi start hiding the girl in his chambers,” the statement read.
“She said that on a particular day after she came back from the hospital to pick up a few things, she noticed an unusual blood stain on the floor which made her query the girl but instead the girl said that it was heavy flow from her period that stained the floor
Ekwutosi said she doubted her and went ahead to check her body only to discover that the girl was no longer pregnant. She said it was while she was packing the items to return to the hospital, that she saw a newborn wrapped beside their wardrobe.
“Ekwutosi stated that she dressed the newborn before going to the hospital where her other child was receiving treatment
“On why she was badly wounded, Ekwutosi said that the husband Ifeanyi Ezenwankwo did that to her because she came back from the hospital and met them burying the newborn which she contested and was brutally wounded alongside her other children by the husband
“She revealed that the husband also threatened to kill her which according to her has been a constant occurrence, citing instances where community members have rescued her from him anytime he embarks on the mission of silencing her
“When she was asked what started the issue, Ekwutosi said that their problem started when the husband married another woman and ever since has not been contributing to the upkeep and welfare of the children
The Media Aide added that Ifeanyi has been arrested by security operatives and is currently in police custody.
Meanwhile, Hon. Obinabo, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that when the issue was reported to her she quickly took action by notifying the police.
According to the Commissioner, the suspect was allegedly said to have been involved in several crimes which included battery, murder and child defilement.
She noted that the case will be charged to the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka.
