Anambra lawmaker flees Court into nearby bush after remand order in rape case

AWKA, Anambra State — Drama reportedly erupted at a court in Anambra State after a magistrate ordered the remand of a serving lawmaker, identified as Hon. Benard Udemezue, over allegations of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old chef.

The lawmaker who represents Ayamelum State Constituency in Anambra State House of Assemnly, allegedly broke down in tears and fled the court premises into a nearby bush following the remand order, triggering a security pursuit reportedly accompanied by sporadic gunfire.

Advertisements

Advertisements

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the reported escape attempt and subsequent re-arrest, have yet to be independently verified.

The case reportedly arose from an incident in which the lawmaker was accused of taking the 24-year-old chef to his private residence instead of her intended destination and sexually assaulting her.

Advertisements

The report further alleged that the victim sustained physical injuries during the incident after resisting the assault.

According to the account, police investigations were initiated following the complaint, but the lawmaker allegedly failed to honour several invitations from investigators.

He was subsequently reported to have left Anambra State and gone into hiding in Abuja, prompting security agencies to declare him wanted before his eventual appearance in court.

Tension reportedly escalated after the presiding magistrate ordered that the lawmaker be remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The report claimed that the politician became visibly emotional before allegedly pushing aside court officials and police personnel in an attempt to escape.

He reportedly ran into a nearby bush, prompting security operatives to pursue him. Sporadic gunfire was said to have heightened tension around the court premises.

However, details of the reported gunfire, including whether anyone was injured, were not established in the account.

The report further claimed that security operatives eventually apprehended the fleeing lawmaker and transferred him under heavy security to the Awka Correctional Centre.

He is reportedly being held pending further proceedings in the case.
As of the time of this report, independent confirmation of the alleged escape, re-arrest and detention was not available. Further details concerning the court proceedings, the specific charges filed and the official positions of the police and the lawmaker’s legal representatives remain necessary to establish the full circumstances of the case.

The allegations against the lawmaker remain subject to judicial determination. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Further clarification from the Anambra State Police Command, the relevant court authorities and the parties involved would help establish the facts surrounding the case.

CAPITAL POST recalled that Anambra State House of Assemnly o February 19, 2026 suspended him from plenary for three months before he was recalled.

Advertisements

Advertisements