Two suspects, Izuchukwu Nnamdi and David Nwokocha, have been arrested for s3xually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, Mercy Udeogba, in Edo State.
The victim revealed that she fled her aunt’s residence after allegedly taking five thousand Naira from her.
Seeking shelter, she approached Izuchukwu Nnamdi, who then took her to the one-room apartment of his colleague, 32-year-old David Nwokocha.
She disclosed that both men s3xually assaulted her repeatedly throughout the night.
According to her, the following morning, after leaving Nwokocha’s apartment, she went to stay with Lucky Tony, a 24-year-old man at Ogiso Quarters in Benin City, where she was s3xually abused for three nights.
The Commander of the Task Force to the Government House, Edo State, ASP Ibharagbotua Odigie Smart, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects were arrested following a distress call from a Vigilante Security Guard about the assault.
He narrated how he immediately mobilized his operatives, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects, with one still at large.
He assured that the remaining suspect would be apprehended and that justice will be served, reiterating the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s administration’s firm stance against s3xual offenses in the State.
Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, the Coordinator Office of the First Lady Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, condemned the s3xual assault, describing it as a grave violation of human dignity with no place in society.
Expressing deep sympathy for the victim, the Coordinator pledged that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure swift and transparent justice.
She reaffirmed her Office’s commitment to strengthening protective systems for vulnerable individuals and supporting law enforcement agencies in the diligent prosecution of offenders.
Mrs. Anani called on the public to collectively reject all forms of s3xual violence and assault, emphasizing that silence and indifference only enable perpetrators.
She urged communities leaders, religious institutions, and civil society groups to stand in solidarity with survivors by creating safe spaces for them to speak out and actively support their journey toward healing and justice.
Miss Udeogba is currently receiving care at the Vivian S3xual Assault Referral Centre, undergoing a forensic medical examination as directed by the Coordinator.
Investigations are ongoing, with assurances that justice will be served.
