By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Anambra State Police Command in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has arrested a 31-year-old man identified as James Rich, for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl who resides in Awka, the state capital.
The suspect, James, is said to be an indigene of Cross River State, but resides in Awka, and works as a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite-Awka.
Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, issued a press statement on Thursday.
She stated, “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 activities.
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 has carnal knowledge of her early on Sunday mornings before the 6:30 a.m. service starts.”
The Commissioner noted that the case would be taken to court immediately to get justice for the girl.
She further noted that anyone one caught in such an act would be dealt with by the law hence, she warned adults to stop defiling young girls especially minors, so as to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison as the state does not tolerate such.