Authorities in Anambra State have apprehended Uzochukwu Okoli for arranging the marriage of his underage daughter.
The arrest of Okoli transpired after his daughter informed the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare about the mistreatment she was enduring from her father and the man to whom she was forcefully married.
This information was disclosed through a statement issued by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, on Thursday.
According to Ikeanyionwu, the daughter, known as Chioma and currently aged 16, reported to the ministry that following the passing of their mother, her father brought her back from Edo State, where they were attending school, in order to marry her off.
The statement conveyed, “She alleged that she was initially compelled to live with a 70-year-old man at the age of 14, but subsequently returned to her father’s residence before he ultimately wed her to a 34-year-old man named Chinedu N.
“Chioma, accompanied by her elder sister, described the situation with her husband as a ‘nightmare’ due to his physical abuse, including instances where he would even urinate in her mouth, prompting her to escape with her nine-month-old child.
“Her father, Uzochukwu Okoli, contended that his daughter is 18 years old, but at times, claimed she was 20 years old.
“Okoli, while being restrained, issued threats towards his daughters if he were to be released from prison. He also expressed a wish for demise in prison because he vowed to make their lives more agonizing.”
In response to this development, Obinabo instructed that the matter be taken to court to ensure justice for the children.
She also seized the opportunity to advise parents to be vigilant about their children and provide them with proper guidance rather than pushing them into premature marriages that can ruin their lives.
Both Okoli and Chinedu N have been taken into custody and will face legal proceedings.