By Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Rivers State Police Command, spokesperson Superintendent of Police (SOP), Grace Iringe-Koko, Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest of a woman simply identified as Jessica and her husband Ebuka and have been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
Jessica was arrested by police operatives attached to Special Area, Rumudomaya, (Rumuokoro) Police Division, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for inhumane acts against a 13-year-old girl, rape victim.
It was alleged that Jessica stripped the little girl naked and dipped pepper into her private part at Rukpokwu Community, Sunday.
It was gathered that the little girl, name was withheld, was earlier reportedly raped by Jessica’s husband on 25th December.
Mrs Goodness, mother of the victim, who did not want her full name mentioned, said she was at her workplace on Sunday evening December 29, 2024, when some persons called her that her neighbour, Jessica had stripped her daughter naked and tortured her.
Goodness, who was still in trauma stated that before she arrived home some neighbours had rescued her daughter from Jessica.
She narrated: “Upon interrogation of my daughter, her daughter told me that on Christmas day, December 25th 2024 a female neighbour who is a friend to Jessica took her (alleged rape victim) to Jessica’s house.
Minutes later, Jessica’s husband, Mr Ebuka sent the wife (Jessica) and her friend on an errand.
“As his (Ebuka’s ) wife went out with her friend, Ebuka pounced on my daughter and raped her after threatening to deal with her if she refuses or tells anyone.
“After he was done, he let my daughter go.Though my daughter did not tell me because of the threat. Nobody has seen Ebuka after that day.
“So on Sunday evening, Ebuka’s wife, Jessica, came to my shop and told my daughter to follow her, that she wants to show my daughter something in the house. My daughter followed her, only to get to their house, she stripped my daughter naked, poured her pepper and also inserted pepper in her vagina.
“Jessica dragged my daughter outside, flogged her severally with machet accusing her of having sex with her husband, Ebuka. Some persons even video recorded my daughter.”
Meanwhile , the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, has condemned the alleged torture of the 13-year old girl by Jessica.
Wiro described the incident as inhumane, barbaric and disheartening
Wiro said: “We have interacted with the teenager and even saw the bruises and wounds on her body.We demand a thorough investigation by the Police.The Police should make concerted effort to bring in Ebuka,the woman’s husband to answer for the allegation againt him and anybody found culpable in course of investigation should be made to face the law.”
At presstime, it was gathered that the suspect Ebuka has been arrested and detained.
It was gathered that Ebuka upon in his statement at the police station having canal knowledge of the teenager.
However, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the matter has been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
