The Anambra State Police Command said the principal suspect in the alleged flogging to death of a 12-year-old boy in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, has surrendered to the police following sustained manhunt operations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release, disclosed that the suspect (name withheld), voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters after coordinated operations by the Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Division, as well as sustained engagement with community leaders and other stakeholders in Adazi-Ani.
According to Ikenga, the suspect is currently in police custody and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, where the ongoing investigation would be concluded.
He commended the cooperation of the Adazi-Ani community, the traditional institution, and other stakeholders, noting that their support played a significant role in the suspect’s surrender.
“The family of the deceased and members of the public are hereby assured that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served,” the police spokesperson said.
The Police Command also appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations and other policing efforts across Anambra State.
According to reports, Chinedu Emmanuel allegedly died after being “severely flogged” by his teacher at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Anambra, with residents, child rights advocates, and members of the community demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
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According to initial reports, the teacher allegedly administered corporal punishment that left the pupil with serious injuries, and when he was later taken for medical attention, he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, the suspect reportedly went into hiding, prompting the Anambra State Police Command to launch a manhunt through its Safe School Protection Squad and officers from the Neni Divisional Headquarters.
