Authorities in Anambra State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and security personnel, have captured a 34-year-old man, known as Chukwudi Okoye, for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.
Reports indicate that the accused, who is said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, committed the crime in the Amanuke community, specifically in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
A statement released on Tuesday by the Media Aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, revealed that the incident took place in July and was reported to the ministry in August by a concerned individual.
Ikeanyionwu mentioned that following the report, the commissioner, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, initiated a manhunt for the suspect, eventually apprehending him for questioning.
In part, the statement stated, “The suspect, Chukwudi Okoye, 34, hailing from Enugwu-Agidi but residing in Amanuke, claimed to have only touched the victim because he was unable to penetrate her private parts.
“The 34-year-old suspect admitted that his actions were unintentional, but he was enticed when the 10-year-old girl joined him on his bed. While he denied having intercourse with the girl, he sought forgiveness, attributing the incident to diabolical influence.
“The suspect is reportedly affiliated with the Anglican Communion in Amanuke.
“Meanwhile, the 10-year-old victim disclosed that she was violated on the day of her graduation ceremony when the suspect summoned her and a friend to wash his plate.
“She recounted that after completing the task, her friend was dismissed, and she was asked to play with the suspect, who then undressed her and forced himself on her.
“Regarding her silence about the ordeal, the girl explained that the suspect had threatened to harm her if she revealed the incident to anyone.”
Upon questioning, the victim’s grandmother revealed that she only learned of the incident after the child fell seriously ill, approximately a week following the assault.
“The grandmother narrated that she brought the girl to the suspect’s residence upon discovering his involvement.
“Subsequently, the suspect escorted the child to the hospital, leading to a referral to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka for further medical attention,” the statement added.
At present, the suspect has been handed over to the authorities for an in-depth investigation, and the case has been forwarded to court for legal proceedings.