By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Brave villagers in Unubi, Nnewi Soulth Local Government Area of Anambra State, have apprehended an alleged serial rapist and killer of a 15-year-old-boy.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, on Friday saluted their gallantry for assisting the police in arresting the hardened criminal. He described the arrest as an evidence of the Command's willingness to continue to leverage on community support to apprehend suspects and identify unrepentant criminals in the state.

According to a press statement made available to journalists in Awka Friday evening by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the alleged rapist, Chidiebere Mbene, aged 33 years, also raped the elder sister of the deceased before he fled the scene.

The statement reads in part: “The Commissioner of Police Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD today 18th April 2025 commended the Nnewi community for their collaboration with the Police in apprehending an alleged serial rapist Chidiebere Mbene ‘m’ aged 33 years.

“The suspect is allegedly involved in the murder of one Nwokedi Michael Somtochukwu a 15-year-old boy in Unubi, Nnewi South Local Government Area on 15th April 2025.

“The suspect also allegedly raped the elder sister of the deceased before he fled the scene.

“This development showcases the effectiveness of community policing and the importance of public cooperation in maintaining law and order.”

According to the police spokesman, the CP has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a comprehensive investigation.

He also harped on the Command's willingness to continue to leverage on community support to effectively apprehend suspects as well as identify unrepentant criminals in the state.