AN Anambra State High Court sitting in Ogidi has sentenced Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu to death by hanging for the rape and murder of Jennifer Anene, a 17-year-old girl. The verdict was delivered by Justice U. I. Ndigwe after the court found the two men guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The tragic case began when Jennifer, who was said to be mentally impaired, was reported missing by her grandfather on November 25, 2020. Three days later, the first defendant’s wife informed the family that she had witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting Jennifer as she cried for help. Despite denying the allegations, the first defendant claimed he last saw Jennifer with the second defendant.

A mutual friend, Akpuchukwu, later returned Jennifer home unconscious but quickly fled and remains at large. Jennifer was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. A postmortem report revealed evidence of severe sexual assault, including bruises and vaginal tears.

The prosecution presented testimonies from the victim’s grandfather, the investigating police officer, and evidence including the postmortem and police reports. The eyewitness, the first defendant’s wife, refused to testify despite being summoned by the court. Both defendants denied the charges during their defense.

Justice Ndigwe condemned the crimes as a grave violation of societal values and sentenced both men to death by hanging, holding them fully accountable for their actions.