Two men, Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu, have been sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court of Anambra State, Ogidi Judicial Division, after they were found guilty of rape and the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.

In the charge sheet registered HID/23C/2021 and obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the two defendants were tried and convicted on a three-count charge of conspiracy, rape and murder.

Justice U.I. Ndigwe, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution proved the three charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge convicted the duo after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence, describing the offences as acts that demanded accountability and desecrated societal values.

Leading the prosecution, the Principal State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Florence Abadom-Igweike, told the court that Jennifer, who was said to be mentally challenged, was reported missing by her grandfather, Pius Anene, on November 25, 2020.

She said three days later, the wife of the first defendant reported seeing her husband and others sexually assaulting the teenager while she screamed for help.

“When Anene confronted the first defendant, he denied the allegation and claimed he had last seen Jennifer with the second defendant.

“Shortly afterwards, a mutual friend identified as “Akpuchukwu” brought Jennifer home unconscious and fled.

“Jennifer was rushed to a hospital on police instruction but was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy later revealed bruises, vaginal tears and clear signs of aggravated sexual assault,” Abadom-Igweike said.

The prosecution called two witnesses—the deceased’s grandfather and the investigating police officer—and tendered the postmortem report, police investigation report and photographs as exhibits.

The eyewitness, who is the first defendant’s wife, however, refused to testify despite being served.

The defendants testified in their own defence and denied the allegations.

After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Justice Ndigwe held that the prosecution had established the offences of rape, conspiracy and murder beyond reasonable doubt.

Delivering judgment, the judge said, “This judgment answers the cry for justice of a child whose blood demanded accountability, and of a society whose values were desecrated.

“This verdict stands as further proof of the commitment and diligence of law officers in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice to ensure that justice is served, no matter how long it takes.

“The evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts, and they are found guilty and hereby sentenced to death by hanging.”