The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Dennis Ali and Ituma Sunday, the main suspects in a distressing viral video that surfaced on social media over the weekend, in which two adolescent girls were stripped, flogged, and dehumanised.
The young girls were allegedly molested and dehumanised in November 2023 at Ojiegbe, a Ngbo community in the state’s Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The girls, aged 15 to 16, were accused of stealing fowls and made to parade through the community naked with the claimed stolen fowls.
The viral video began circulating on social media with the message, “Share it until it reaches the government authorities.” These girls were subjected to horrible conditions. Criminal cases have legal punishments specified in the criminal law,” caught the attention of the police.
DSP Joshua Ukandu, the Police spokesperson, stated that CP Anthonia Uche-Anya was drawn to the viral video, prompting the arrest of the suspects. The CP had previously emphasised the need to eliminate trial by ordeal, jungle justice, and self-help in criminal justice.
The police boss reaffirmed that the command is committed to eradicating such practices and ensuring that justice is served, adding that the Police will work together with stakeholders to effectively address the root causes of violence and promote a culture of respect and human rights.
See full statement below:
In reply, please quote:
AZ.:5200/EBS/PPRO/VOL.9/6
5th November, 2024
EBONYI STATE POLICE COMMAND.
PRESS RELEASE
“EBONYI POLICE APPREHENDS SUSPECTS IN VIRAL DEHUMANISATION VIDEO
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Dennis Ali and Ituma Sunday, the primary suspects in a disturbing viral video where two teenage girls were stripped, flogged, and dehumanised. The incident occurred in November 2023 at Ojiegbe Ngbo community in Ohaukwu LGA.
Upon assuming office, CP. Anthonia A. Uche-Anya, fdc, emphasised the need to eradicate trial by ordeal, jungle justice, and self-help in criminal justice. She reaffirms the command’s commitment to rooting out such practices in Ebonyi State with stakeholder support.
Furthermore, she assured that those involved will face the full force of the law for their heinous actions.
DSP JOSHUA UKANDU
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
EBONYI STATE POLICE COMMAND.
ABAKALIKI.