Two men have been arrested in Edo State in connection with the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, as authorities launch a manhunt for a third suspect still at large.
The victim, Mercy Udeogba, fled her aunt’s residence after allegedly taking five thousand naira from her. Seeking shelter, she approached one of the suspects, Izuchukwu Nnamdi, who then took her to the one-room apartment of his colleague, 32-year-old David Nwokocha, where both men sexually assaulted her repeatedly throughout the night.
The following morning, after leaving Nwokocha’s apartment, the victim went to stay with a 24-year-old man identified as Lucky Tony at Ogiso Quarters in Benin City, where she was sexually abused for three nights.
The Commander of the Task Force to the Government House, Edo State, ASP Ibharagbotua Odigie Smart, confirmed that the suspects were arrested following a distress call from a vigilante security guard about the assault. He said he immediately mobilised his operatives, leading to the arrest of two suspects, with one still at large, and assured that the remaining suspect would be apprehended.
The victim is currently receiving care at the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre, undergoing a forensic medical examination as directed by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.
Reacting to the incident on April 15, 2026, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, condemned the assault as a grave violation of human dignity, pledging that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure swift and transparent justice. She called on community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society groups to stand in solidarity with survivors and create safe spaces for them to speak out.
ASP Smart reaffirmed the Okpebholo administration’s zero tolerance for sexual offences, and investigations are ongoing.
