Women Affairs Ministry moves to rescue rape survivor in Imo
By Stanley Okehie

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Imo State, Nkechi Ugwu has expressed displeasure over the spate of rape cases and other gender based violence in the state.
The Commissioner who was reacting to the latest rape incident at Ezinihitte Mbaise Council Area where a woman (name withheld) was raped at gun point by an alleged serial rapist, Chinemerem Nwachukwu, however promised justice for the victim and others who had suffered similar fate in the hands of Nwachukwu.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the level of concern shown in the case by National Human Rights Commission, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria and other sister agencies.
Hon. Ugwu, who spoke through Mrs. Pearl Godslight, the Executive Director, Godslight Helping Hand Ministry, Incorporated, said with these people interested in the case, justice will be served to deter others who may want to do same in future.
At the resumed hearing at Ahiazu Magistrate Court on Friday, January 13, 2023, Magistrate AUC Oguoma refused the Defence Counsel’s plea to grant bail to the defendant, Chinemerem Nwachukwu.
Magistrate Oguoma however adjourned the case to January 25 for further hearing.
Among the team of lawyers for the complainant were, Barr Amanze Okorie – State Counsel, M.I Ogbu (Mrs) – State Counsel attached to Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Nwokenneya Florence – NHRC.
While Caritas Foundation through Queen Brown provided psychosocial support to the survivor and also the logistics, Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups through the Permanent Secretary Mr. Gosdon Okeoma funded the process to ensure that justice is served on the case.
Others at the forefront of the case were, Mrs. Colette Bennett – Executive Director, Communal Care Center, Dr. Blessing Azubuike – Director, Ministry of Women Affairs and Amarachi Ekeocha – Social Worker, Ministry of Women Affairs.