The Anambra State Government has arrested a 34-year-old man, identified as Chukwudi Okoye, for the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl. The arrest was made by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and Security Operatives.
According to the report, the suspect is said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, and the incident occurred in the Amanuke community, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
The media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, stated that the incident was brought to the ministry's attention in August by a whistleblower. The commissioner, together with security operatives, launched a manhunt for the suspect, leading to his apprehension and interrogation.
During the interrogation, the suspect, Chukwudi Okoye, a native of Enugwu-Agidi but resident in Amanuke, admitted to only "fingering the survivor" as his "manhood could not enter her private parts." However, he claimed that he never intended to commit such a "despicable act" and pleaded for pardon, attributing it to the "work of the devil."
The 10-year-old victim recounted that the incident occurred on the day of her graduation ceremony when the suspect called her and her friend to come and wash plates for him. After her friend was dismissed, the suspect allegedly took the victim to his bed, removed her clothes, and had carnal knowledge of her. The victim said she was warned by the suspect not to tell anyone, or he would harm her.
The grandmother of the victim stated that she only learned of the incident a week later when the girl became seriously ill. She then took the child to the suspect's house, where they were subsequently referred to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, for further treatment.
In Anambra State, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, enacted in 2015, outlaws all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape and defilement. Offenders face life imprisonment or a maximum of 14-year jail terms, depending on the age of the offender and the type of violence committed.
The suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and will be charged to court accordingly.