By Praise Chinecherem
A 34 year old man, Chukwudi Okoye has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10 year old girl in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The suspect, native of Enugwu-Agidi but resident in Amanuke, during interrogation, claimed he only fingered the victim as his manhood could not penetrate her private part.
Okoye, a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, however pleaded for pardon, attributing the act to handiwork of the devil.
“I never intended to do such a despicable act but was lured into it when the 10 year old laid on my bed,” he confessed.
Meanwhile, the 10 year old victim said she was defiled on her graduation ceremony day.
She said, “It was on the day of my graduation ceremony, the man called me alongside my friend to come and wash plate for him.
“After we finished washing the plate, he discharged my friend and asked me to play with him before taking me to the bed where he removed my clothes and had carnal knowledge of me.
“I didn’t tell anyone of the incident because he seriously warned me never to tell anyone, otherwise he will deal with me.”
On her part, grandmother of the victim said she got to know of the incident a week after the girl fell seriously ill.
“I took her to the suspect’s house after learning he was responsible. I insisted he must take her child to the hospital where we were referred to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka for further treatment,” she added.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect has been handed over to police for further investigation and would be charged.
She said the incident happened sometime in July but was brought to her notice this month.
