A nationwide outcry has trailed the brutal killing of Miss Success Anosike, a young orphan and devout Christian from “Umunwanwa” in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, who was allegedly raped and strangled to death by her neighbour in Oyigbo, Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 4, has triggered widespread outrage on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForSuccess, with Nigerians demanding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Rivers State Police Command ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to accounts from family members and friends, the late Success lost both parents in a fatal road accident a few years ago, leaving her and her siblings orphaned.
Despite the hardship, she was described as a struggling but devoted Christian who lived quietly in Oyigbo, Rivers State.
A close source who spoke to The Sun correspondent in confidence revealed that Success had previously reported being harassed by one of her neighbours.
“About three months ago, she told me one of her neighbours tried to force his way into her room. I went to warn the guy, but he wasn’t around. I advised her to always lock her doors at night,” the source said.
The source recounted that on the day of her death, he received a distress call around 11:45 a.m. but was too far away to help.
“Later, I was told to come immediately because the worst had happened. When I called back, her friend was crying that the doctor had confirmed her dead. Success was raped and strangled in her room, and they took away her phones,” he said, sobbing.
‘She Was Very Respectful’ – Sister Cries Out
Her elder sister, who confirmed the incident, described Success as a disciplined and humble young woman.
“She is my younger sister and honestly very respectful. Please help me share this until justice is served,” she said, appealing to human rights activists VeryDarkBlackMan and Harrison Gwamnishu to intervene.
The matter is currently being handled at the Oyigbo Police Station, but relatives and residents fear the case may not get the needed attention because the deceased had no influential family backing.
“She was an orphan. Nobody is speaking for her. The police and the IG must ensure her killers do not go free,” another community member said.
Echoes of Past Failures
The killing of Success Anosike has reignited public anger over Nigeria’s repeated failure to secure justice for victims of sexual violence. Many have compared her case to that of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbaji, who was serially raped by her guardian and his son in Benue State between 2013 and 2018 until she died of complications a case that remains a painful symbol of systemic failure.
Ochanya’s father and son abusers faced little to no consequence, while the wife, convicted only for negligence, served five months in prison. Activists argue that the weak justice system continues to embolden predators and silence victims.
Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Defilers
Coincidentally, the Senate on Wednesday passed the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor up from the previous five-year sentence.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment was aimed at protecting children and punishing sexual offenders more severely.
“Any defilement of a minor in Nigeria henceforth attracts life imprisonment without an option of fine. Let everyone be aware,” Akpabio declared after a unanimous voice vote.
The new law also imposes a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for rape and other forms of forced sexual intercourse involving men or women, with provisions allowing judges to hand down stiffer penalties in aggravated cases.
A Cry for Justice
As tributes pour in for Success Anosike, Nigerians continue to demand accountability and stronger action against sexual violence.
“A promising life has been wasted. Let her death not go unpunished,” a resident of Umunwanwa wrote online.
The call for justice has since spread beyond her local community, drawing national attention to the plight of orphans, minors and vulnerable women across the country.
