A 31-year-old man identified as James Rich has been arrested by the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, through the Anambra State Police Command, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl, who resides in Awka, the state capital.
Rich is an indigene of Cross River State, but a resident of Awka, and also a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite-Awka
This is contained in a press statement by Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
Ikeanyionwu explained that in an interview with the suspect, he accepted to have defiled the 14-year-old and impregnated her in the process.
“He explained that he usually carried out the act every Sunday morning at the church premises and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gave her N200 each time 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 activity. He pleaded for pardon, stating that this was his first time of committing the crime and that it was a temptation that made him do so.
“The suspect usually defiled the victim who has developmental challenge every Sunday morning before the 6:30 a.m. service starts.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner said the case would be charged to court immediately to get justice for the girl.
Obinabo warned adults to stop defiling young girls, especially minors, to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison as the state does not tolerate such.
