Soludo confirms arrests, assures justice in assault of NYSC member in Anambra

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has disclosed that the parents of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was recently assaulted in the state were initially reluctant to press charges against the perpetrators.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Soludo said the incident, which occurred on July 23, was promptly handled by security operatives who arrested the culprits and provided medical attention for the victim.

The governor explained that restitution was made, including compensation for damaged mobile phones belonging to the victim and others affected during the attack.

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“The briefing I got was that her phone was damaged. Some others’ phones were damaged in the process, and there was some restitution to that effect. She was taken care of medically, and those guys were apprehended, first suspended, and the investigation is ongoing,” Soludo stated.

He added that while the victim’s family had initially declined to pursue prosecution “for whatever private considerations,” their position changed this week. According to him, the state NYSC director wrote to his office on Tuesday, confirming the family’s readiness to proceed with the case.

Soludo condemned the assault, describing the video footage of the incident as “despicable and outrageous.” He stressed that no one deserved to be brutalized under any circumstance, regardless of the alleged offence.

“I have four beautiful daughters, and I couldn’t imagine that happening to any of them. Whatever the crime, you arrest and prosecute, but nobody should be brutalized,” the governor said.

He assured that the Anambra State government would ensure due process is followed and justice served in the matter.