The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned a 29-year-old mother of two, Chisom Okonkwo, before a magistrate court for allegedly making false claims that her husband, Okonkwo Ozioma, defiled their two daughters.
The case stemmed from a viral social media post on November 5, in which Chisom accused her husband of sexually assaulting their children and threatening to kill her if she exposed him. The allegations generated widespread outrage online.
However, investigations reportedly revealed inconsistencies in her claims. Mr. Okonkwo, who denied the allegations, demanded legal representation before making any formal statement to the police.
According to court documents, Chisom faces two counts bordering on defamation of character and giving false information to the police.
The first count alleges that Chisom, sometime in August 2024, “defamed the character of one Okonkwo Ozioma by shouting in public that he defiled their two daughters, thereby exposing him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule.”
The second count accuses her of providing false information to detectives at the State Intelligence Department, Enugu, on October 27, 2025, leading to her husband’s arrest and detention, knowing the claim to be untrue.
Both offences are punishable under Sections 325 and 154(1)(a)&(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, making false accusations of sexual assault carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for perjury, public mischief, or filing a false police report. In Lagos State, for instance, false rape allegations can attract up to life imprisonment.
Additionally, individuals wrongly accused of such offences may seek civil damages for defamation and emotional distress.
The court has adjourned the case for further hearing while the accused remains under police watch.
