Together with the police, the government of Anambra announced that a 31-year-old male had been taken into custody for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl on a church property in the Ifite neighbourhood of Awka.
The girl’s guardian reported the incident to the state’s commissioner for women and social welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, who spoke to reporters on Thursday in Awka.
Mrs. Blessing Nweke, Obinabo’s Special Assistant, was in her place.
According to her, James Rich, the suspect, is a resident of Ifite, Awka, and works at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican church. He is a native of Cross River.
“We began an investigation when her guardian brought the issue to our attention. After the girl, who has a speech handicap, was brought to the hospital, her pregnancy was confirmed.
“The police were instrumental in the suspect’s capture. He will be subject to the full force of the law.
“This is a warning to adults in the state: quit defiling children, especially young girls, to save yourself from living out the rest of your days behind bars.
“I want to reassure people that the state government is dedicated to upholding children’s rights in the state,” she declared.
The accused acknowledged defiling the 14-year-old girl three times on the church grounds and getting her pregnant while speaking with reporters.
Before the 6:30 a.m. service on three Sundays, I was acquainted with the girl, and I gave her N200 to purchase biscuits.
“I am married, have two kids, and we are currently expecting our third child.
“Temptation drove me to act in that way. I have never done anything like this before. I really apologise, please, he said.
