Crime suspect in police handcuff
By BARBARA KALU, Owerri –
Imo State Police Command has apprehended a 32-year-old pastor, Ikenna Emmanuel, and his alleged accomplice, Franklin Chizoba, for the reported rape of a 20-year-old woman under the pretense of conducting a prayer session.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, released in Owerri on Thursday, the incident involved the pastor of Authentic Power City Church, a native of Umuobom in Ideato-South Local Government Area.
Okoye revealed that on June 30, Chizoba allegedly lured the victim to Emmanuel’s residence, where she was given a drug-laced drink.
“Moments after consuming the drink, the victim became disoriented, and the suspects allegedly took advantage of her condition to sexually assault her,” Okoye stated.
Following a report of the incident, police operatives from Orlu Division arrested both suspects. During questioning, the duo confessed to the crime and admitted to engaging in homosexual activities.
“The suspects were arraigned in court on August 12 and remanded at the Owerri Correctional Facility pending trial,” Okoye added.
In a separate incident, police in Orlu Division detained Ifeanyi Odinka, 39, of Amaifeke Orlu, on August 12 for allegedly stabbing his 75-year-old father, Denius Odinka, to death during a dispute over proceeds from a land sale.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for further investigation,” Okoye noted.
The police command reaffirmed its dedication to curbing crime and ensuring residents’ safety.
Okoye urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s hotline, 08034773600.
