The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, seized a 31-year-old male, named as James Rich, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka, the state capital.
Rich is believed to be a Cross River State native who now lives in Awka and works as a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in Ifite-Awka.
This was revealed in a press statement issued on Thursday by Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
She said, “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 activity. 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 defiles her early every Sunday morning before the 6:30 a.m. service starts.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner disclosed that the case would be charged to court immediately to get justice for the girl.
She, therefore, warned adults to stop defiling young girls especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison custody as the state does not tolerate such.