“Man in Wig, Machete and Skirt: Rapist Who Terrorized Family Gets 17-Year Jail Term in Anambra”

In a chilling case that stunned the community, a 47-year-old man, Emeka Nkachukwu, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for raping a 19-year-old girl after storming her family home disguised as a woman.

The convict, who wore a wig and skirt and brandished a machete, was found guilty by the High Court in Charge No. A/29c/2023 — State v. Emeka Nkachukwu. The court sentenced him to 15 years for rape and an additional two years for unlawful injury.

According to the prosecution, led by the Honourable Attorney General of Anambra State, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, and Senior State Counsel, C.V. Anyaeneh, the attack occurred on a rainy night in October 2022. Nkachukwu deceived his way into the home of the victim at Ibolo village in Oraifite, posing as a woman to commit a robbery.

When he found nothing valuable to steal, he turned savage — locking the family in a room, abducting the teenager, and dragging her to two remote spots near Ekulu stream where he raped her multiple times.

The victim’s resilience and sharp instincts proved crucial in unmasking the assailant. Though he asked her if she recognized him during the assault, she feigned ignorance — later revealing his identity to her family and local vigilantes.

The swift action of the vigilante operatives led to Nkachukwu’s arrest that same night. Critical evidence, including the soaked wig and disguise, was recovered at his residence, further sealing the case against him.

In court, Nkachukwu attempted to deny the charges and raised an alibi, claiming he was not near the crime scene. However, the court dismissed his defence as lacking merit.

Delivering judgment, the presiding judge condemned the defendant’s brutality and deception, describing the act as “monstrous and premeditated.”

The Ministry of Justice has welcomed the judgment, calling it a landmark victory in the fight against sexual violence in the state.