The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, through the Anambra State Police Command, has apprehended a 31-year-old man identified as James Rich, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl, who resides in Awka, the state capital.
Rich is said to be an indigene of Cross River State, but a resident in Awka, and also 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, revealed the details in a press statement on Thursday. According to Ikeanyionwu, the suspect admitted to the crime during the interview, confessing to defiling the girl and impregnating her. He confessed to engaging in the act every Sunday morning at the church premises, having sexual intercourse with her about three times and giving her N200 to buy biscuits afterward.
Though the suspect is married, has two kids, and is expecting a third, he resides on the church grounds where the crime was perpetrated. He begged for pardon, saying that it was his first time giving in to temptation. The victim, who has a developmental disability, claimed that every Sunday morning before the 6:30 a.m. service, the suspect usually assaulted her.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner announced that the case would be promptly taken to court to ensure justice for the girl. She also warned against the defilement of young girls, especially minors, emphasizing the state’s zero tolerance for such behavior.
