By Ezekiel David, Lagos
Anambra State authorities have arrested a 34-year-old man, Chukwudi Okoye, a seminarian, for the alleged sex abuse of a 10-year-old girl in the Amanuke community.
The incident, which occurred in July, was brought to the attention of the state’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare by a whistleblower in August. The ministry, in collaboration with security operatives, launched an investigation and apprehended the suspect, a seminarian in the Anglican Communion.
According to the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the suspect admitted to having “fingered the survivor because his manhood could not enter her private parts.” While he denied penetration, the suspect pleaded for forgiveness, claiming it was “the work of the devil.”
The victim, who was allegedly assaulted on the day of her graduation ceremony, said the suspect called her and her friend to wash plates, then dismissed the friend and took the 10-year-old girl to his bed, where he removed her clothes and sexually abused her. The girl was warned not to tell anyone about the incident.
Anambra State has enacted the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which outlaws all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape and defilement. Offenders face life imprisonment or a maximum of 14-year jail term, 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, marking another step in Anambra’s efforts to combat sexual abuse and protect vulnerable members of the community.
(Source: PUNCH)