The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, with the aid of the Anambra State Police Command, detained a 31-year-old man named James Rich for impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka, the state capital.
Rich is said to be a Cross River State indigene, but a resident of Awka, and a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite-Awka.
This was revealed in a press release 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.”
In response to the occurrence, the Commissioner stated that the case would be charged in court as soon as possible to provide justice for the girl.
She cautioned adults to stop defiling young girls, especially adolescents, to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison since the state does not tolerate it.
