The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 56-year-old man identified as Boniface Onyekwere for attempting to rape a 12-year-old maid entrusted in his custody.
Onyekwere, who is said to be an evangelist with one of the new generation churches was arrested at No. 6, Melock Street, Ifite Awka, Anambra State.
The PUNCH had reported that a 12-year-old girl jumped from a storey building in a bid to escape being defiled by his master in Awka on Thursday.
It was gathered that the suspect had contracted the girl less than one week to help him out with house chores as his family members were based in Abuja.
The girl is currently in the hospital receiving treatment as she sustained fractures on her legs, after jumping down from the building.
The state police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the arrest to our correspondent, said the suspect had been transferred to the State CID on the directive of the Commissioner of Police.
Ikenga said, “Yes, the suspect is in our custody, an evangelist, his name is Boniface Onyekwere, ‘m’ aged 56 years old, of No. 6, Melock Street Ifite Awka.
“The case has also been transferred to State CID on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng. An investigation is still ongoing please.”
In a related development, the state police command also arrested 32 suspected criminals for various offences ranging from armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, extortion and attempted rape.
In the process, the police recovered one locally made berretta pistol, one magnum pump-action and ammunition.
Addressing journalists in Awka, on Sunday, Echeng, said the command had vowed to stamp out violent crimes such as extortion and other forms of criminality in the state.
