The Digest:
The brutal murder of 19-year-old Uloma Nwangwu exposes a catastrophic chain of systemic failure. She was killed by her uncle, Emeka Nwangwu, three days after she courageously reported him to the Enugu State Police for years of sexual abuse and death threats, a report that was met with police inaction and a family's preference for "spiritual cleansing" over prosecution.
Key Points:
- Uloma Nwangwu, 19, reported her uncle, Emeka Nwangwu (51), to police on November 28th for serial rape, abduction, and threats to kill her entire family.
- In a video statement, she recounted his boast that "the police would not do anything to him."
- Police acknowledged the suspect confessed at the station, but no arrest was made after the family opted for traditional mediation.
- Three days later, the suspect forced his way into a pharmacy where she was receiving treatment and fatally assaulted her.
- Lawyers have universally condemned the police inaction, stating that crimes like rape are offences against the state and police have a statutory duty to prosecute regardless of family wishes.
- Legal experts called for the sanctioning of the involved officers for "professional negligence" and argued that the initial confession was sufficient evidence for prosecution.
- The case is cited as a prime example of how mediating gender-based violence instead of prosecuting it emboldens abusers and endangers victims.
Sources: Premium Times, Daily Trust
