Anambra Lawmaker Remanded Over Alleged Rape, Escapes From Court, Caught in Bush After Gunshots

By Our Correspondent

A member of the Anambra State House of Assembly has been remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre over allegations of rape, battery and intimidation involving a 24-year-old female chef.

The lawmaker was reportedly arraigned on Wednesday before a Magistrate Court sitting at Amawbia, Anambra State, in connection with the alleged offences.

According to our Correspondent, the lawmaker allegedly attempted to escape from the courtroom shortly after the presiding magistrate rejected his bail application and ordered his remand.

An eyewitness said the lawmaker pushed aside court officials and police personnel before fleeing towards the surrounding bushes, triggering a pursuit by security operatives.

Police operatives reportedly fired several shots into the air during the ensuing commotion, while the fleeing lawmaker was eventually apprehended around St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

He was subsequently taken to the Awka Correctional Centre under heavy security.

The case reportedly arose from an incident on May 26, 2026, when the lawmaker allegedly approached the 24-year-old woman, who hails from Enugu State, with a promise of securing employment for her.

He was said to have obtained her contact details before subsequently meeting her at a restaurant in Awka.

A report alleged that the lawmaker later took the woman to his private residence, contrary to her request to be taken home, where he allegedly sexually assaulted and physically battered her.

The victim reportedly sustained injuries, including bruises and swelling on her face.

The report further alleged that the lawmaker gave her money to purchase medication and threatened her against reporting the incident to her family or making it public.

The woman, however, reportedly lodged a complaint with the police.

Following the complaint, the police were said to have invited the lawmaker several times, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitations and subsequently relocated to Abuja, prompting security operatives to declare him wanted.

He was reportedly arrested in Awka on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after returning to the state capital.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, the lawmaker reportedly denied the allegations, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual.

He was also said to have alleged that the case was politically motivated and intended to frustrate his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The victim, who was present in court, reportedly presented messages allegedly sent to her by the lawmaker after the incident as evidence of threats.

The lawmaker remains in custody following the court’s remand order.