Abia Human Rights Group Hails Arrest Of Police Officer Accused Of Raping Female Students

A human rights group in Abia State, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has praised the Abia State commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede, for the timely arrest of Cpl. Nwachukwu Chinedu who allegedly raped a female Abia State Polytechnic student on Thursday.

The incident provoked students of the institution who trooped out last Thursday to protest incessant rape and harassment of students by the police.

FENRAD in a statement on Saturday through its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Head Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement, Barr. Akande Femisi, pleaded with the police boss to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of the suspect.

According to the statement, the group called on the police to ensure that justice is done in the matter.

The statement said:
“While understanding that the accused is not attached to RRS as earlier reported, FENRAD urges the RRS to, in its operations and conduct of same, ensure the rules of engagement are followed. The Foundation further condemns the shooting by the unit to scare or disperse protesting students.

“FENRAD calls on the students to be law abiding and to observe the tentative holiday the authority has ordered.

“While the status quo remains thus, FENRAD calls on the commissioner of police, the state government and school authorities to ensure that investigation is thorough and true.

“The Foundation commends the police for swinging into operation and fishing out the suspect. It also urges that everything be done so that the rape victim gets justice that is commensurate and appropriate.”