The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, through the Anambra State Police Command, has apprehended a 31-year-old man identified as James Rich, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl, who resides in Awka, the state capital.
Rich is said to be an indigene of Cross River State, but a resident in Awka, and also a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite-Awka.
This is made known in a press statement issued by Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, on Thursday.
She said, “Interviewing the suspect, he accepted to have defiled the 14-year-old and impregnated her in the process.
“He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gives her the sum of N200 to buy biscuit.
“The suspect, though married with two children and expecting a third child, lives in the church premises where he carries out his daily activity. He pleaded for pardon, stating that this was his first time committing the crime and that it was a temptation that made him do so.
“On her part, the victim who has developmental challenge, added that the suspect usually defiles her early every Sunday morning before the 6:30 a.m. service starts.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner disclosed that the case would be charged to court immediately to get justice for the girl.
She, therefore, warned adults to stop defiling young girls especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison custody as the state does not tolerate such.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
