Nigerian Man Held For Indian Teen's Rape

The Bengaluru police arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl and learnt about the Interpol notice issued in his name, during interrogation. The accused has been identified as 28-year-old Christian Chidiebere Chukwu from Festac Town, Lagos in Nigeria. He has been accused of raping a girl at his friend's place. Chukwu's friend and his wife were not at home when he raped his  wife's friend, according to Bangalore Mirror report. The incident apparently took place in August in Bengaluru this year, though it can't be confirmed. 

The victim was hospitalised later. She filed a complaint against Chukwu, who was arrested and sent to judicial custody for 40 days. It was during his interrogation that the Bengaluru police learnt that the Interpol has issued a red corner notice against him. Chukwu had come to India in 2013 on a medical attendant visa along with his relative Loveson Chingrom Emesowum and was staying with a relative in Mizoram. But he overstayed in India, leading to his arrested by the Aizwal police in Mizoram. Even as the Aizwal police was arranging to deport him, he gave the police a slip, leading to the issuance of a red corner notice against him. From Mizoram, he came to Bangaluru and was staying in TC palya in the city with a friend and his wife. Chukwu frequently changed locations in Bengaluru, to avoid arrest. On that fateful day, his friend and his wife had left home for an emergency, leaving the teenage girl who happened to his friend's wife's friend. Taking advantage of the situation, Chukwu is alleged to have raped her. The police complaint following the incident led to his arrest by the Bengaluru police.

 The police said that he tried to hoodwink them by claiming to be a businessman. His possible involvement in more cases is being investigated, though according to the police, he is "a hard nut to crack." His deportation is now likely to be delayed. "The arrest intimation will be sent to the Aizawl police and the embassy. Since Chukwu is arrested on rape charges, he cannot be deported till the completion of the trial," said a police officer. Chukwu has been sent to judicial custody; further investigations are continuing.