The Enugu State Government has confirmed that the parents of a 13-year-old bride, the groom, his parents, and a matchmaker have been arrested and detained over an underage marriage involving the girl, identified as Amarachi, in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.
According to the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, the arrests were made after the individuals ignored an invitation from the ministry, following viral videos showing the illegal marriage ceremony.
Eni noted that the state stepped in when it became evident that the marriage had already been consummated and involved a minor who did not give consent and lacked awareness of what marriage entails.
“We invited them to the ministry to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to come. Their refusal suggested complicity, so we initiated their arrest,” she stated.
Those in custody include the groom’s parents and a native doctor, Mrs. Patience, who served as matchmaker. The commissioner said the matchmaker claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence.
Amarachi, now under state protection, told ministry officials that she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school.
The groom’s mother reportedly defended the act on the basis that her son is an only child but became silent when confronted with the illegality of marrying off a minor.
Eni said the ministry’s legal team briefed the detained individuals on the Child Rights Law and its penalties, while senior officials educated them on gender-based violence and the severe health risks associated with early marriage, including VVF, cervical cancer and psychological trauma.
All suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
Amarachi and a two-year-old baby found during the operation, whose mother is yet to be identified, have been taken into protective custody.
She assured that the state will rehabilitate and sponsor Amarachi’s education, adding that the marriage will be formally annulled.
Eni also commended the swift support of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogalla; the constituency’s House of Assembly member; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for facilitating the intervention.
