A 30-year-old man, Chinonso Nwaebonyi, has been arrested in Awka, Anambra State, for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl.
The suspect, originally from Izzi community in Ebonyi State, was apprehended after the victim’s mother reported the incident to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
According to Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, the suspect initially denied the allegation but later confessed to committing the crime “only once.”
The seven-year-old victim reported that the abuse occurred multiple times, usually on Mondays and Tuesdays, when she and her twin brother visited the compound to play.
The mother discovered the abuse when she noticed her daughter’s swollen private region while bathing her.
“On inquiry, she was briefed on what had been going on and she quickly went to the next compound to complain to the guardians of the suspect after which she took her daughter to a pharmacy before coming to the ministry.
“Meanwhile, the suspect, who had earlier denied the allegation, later confessed to committing the said crime but only once.”
Nwaebonyi claimed he never forced the girl, stating he only asked her to raise her clothes and lie down.
The victim and her twin brother were reportedly born to their parents after 10 years of childlessness.
The suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and will be charged to court.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against minors in Nigeria, despite the 2015 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which mandates severe penalties for such offenses.
Anambra State has seen several arrests for similar crimes, with many cases awaiting prosecution in various courts.
