A 51 year old man, Unegbu John Chika has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 14-year old girl in Isuofia, Aguata local government area of Anambra state.
The arrest followed alarm by a whistle blower who alerted Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo.
The suspect, a transporter plying Ekwulobia – Oko route, during interrogation, admitted defiling the girl and pleaded for pardon, blaming the devil for the act.
The suspect, a native of Owerri, Imo State, but resident in Isiaku Isuofia, also blamed his action on the death of his wife.
“This is a mistake I deeply regret. I plead for forgiveness. It’s the devil that pushed me into it,” he begged.
Meanwhile, the victim said she got defiled by the suspect at the age of 9.
“I started living with the man in 2018 when I was 8 years old, but he started defiling me one year after.
“He usually has his way during weekends and holiday periods. He became more at ease with the act after the wife died,” she said.
On why she never told anyone, the teenager explained that the suspect had warned her to keep the act secret.
“After each act, he tells me to keep it a secret, and ever since then, I’ve kept it that way till help came,” she added.
Reacting, the Commissioner commended the leadership of Isuofia People’s Assembly for its prompt response in arresting the suspect before her arrival.
She urged residents to be on the look-out for any suspicious act, movement or otherwise and report to the appropriate authority.
“Defilement and rape crimes are not tolerated in the state. Soludo led APGA government will not hesitate to take action.
“The suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and consequent arraignment before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka on Wednesday.
“The survivor will undergo medical examination,” she assured.