Man, 24 arrested for rape of pregnant woman in Enugu

By Chuks Eze
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Ugwu Desmond, over an alleged attempt to rape and murder a pregnant woman in Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The 30-year-old victim, whose identity was withheld, was reportedly attacked on the night of March 14, 2026, while returning home from a neighbour’s house along a quiet track in Amokwo-Affa.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect trailed the woman before launching a violent attack.
“The victim had on the said night set out on a short walk back home from a neighbour’s house, an ordinary and familiar route. However, unknown to her, she was being followed by the suspect, who suddenly attacked her from behind, armed with a cutlass.
“He forced her to the ground, gripped her neck in a bid to strangle her and covered her mouth to prevent her from crying out for help. Thereafter, he dragged her into an uncompleted building, where he threatened to kill her if she resisted, before forcefully raping her and inflicting injuries on her body,” Ndukwe said.
He added that the victim’s courage to report the incident early the next morning led to the suspect’s arrest.
“The victim’s survival and bravery in reporting the incident by about 6:15am on March 15, 2026, triggered a swift police action. Operatives of the Affa Police Division promptly mobilised and arrested the suspect.
“She was immediately taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment, while the crime scene was processed, leading to the recovery of critical exhibits, including the cutlass used in the attack and clothing bearing suspected blood and seminal stains,” he stated.
Ndukwe disclosed that the suspect has confessed to the crime, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police has described the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable. He has directed a comprehensive investigation and assured that the suspect would be promptly arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“He also urges residents to remain vigilant, look out for one another and promptly report suspicious movements, noting that community awareness can make the difference between safety and tragedy,” he added.