Seminarian Accused Of Def!ling 10-Year-Old Girl In Anambra

Chukwudi Okoye, a 34-year-old seminarian, has been taken into custody in Anambra State on charges of allegedly defaming a 10-year-old child.

The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, along with security personnel, helped the Anambra State Government apprehend him.

Allegedly, Okoye—an Anglican Communion seminarian—performed the act in the Anambra State town of Amanuke, within the Awka North Local Government Area.

The claimed event, which allegedly happened sometime in July, was brought to the attention of the ministry in August, according to a statement released on Tuesday, August 13, by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Assistant to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Ikeanyionwu continued, saying that the commissioner had started a search for the suspect, found him, and brought him in front of law enforcement officials to be questioned.

The statement read in part: “The suspect, Chukwudi Okoye, 34, a native of Enugwu-Agidi, but resident at Amanuke, said he only fingered the survivor because his manhood could not enter her private part.

“According to the 34-year-old suspect, he never intended to do such a despicable act but was lured into it when the 10-year-old lay on his bed. Although he denied penetrating the girl, he at the same time, pleaded for pardon because it was the work of the devil according to him.

“The suspect is said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion in Amanuke.

“Meanwhile, the 10-year-old victim stated that she was defiled on the day of her graduation ceremony when the suspect called her alongside her friend to come and wash plate for him.

“She explained that after she had finished washing the plate, he discharged her friend and asked her to play with him before taking her to the bed where he removed her clothes and had carnal knowledge of her.

“On why she did not tell anyone of the incident, the little girl said that she was seriously warned by the suspect never to tell anyone or he would deal with her.”

During questioning, the victim’s grandmother stated that she was first made aware of the occurrence a week after the girl fell very ill.

The statement continues: “The grandmother explained that she took her granddaughter to the suspect’s house after she learnt that he was responsible for the act.

“She said it was in the process that the suspect decided to take the child to the hospital where they were subsequently referred to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka for further treatment.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli