Seminarian Arrested for R@ping 10-Year-Old Girl in Anambra
Authorities in Anambra State, including the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and local security forces, have detained 34-year-old Chukwudi Okoye for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
According to PUNCH Metro, Okoye, who is reportedly a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, is accused of the crime in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area.
Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, revealed that the incident, which occurred in July, came to light in August via a whistleblower. Following this, the commissioner directed security operatives to locate and arrest Okoye for questioning.
The statement noted that Okoye claimed he did not penetrate the girl, asserting that he only touched her because he could not enter her. He explained that he did not intend to commit the act but was allegedly provoked when the child lay on his bed. Despite his denial of penetration, he sought forgiveness, attributing his actions to temptation.
The 10-year-old victim reported being assaulted on the day of her graduation when Okoye invited her and a friend to his home to wash dishes. After her friend left, Okoye allegedly took her to his bed, removed her clothes, and sexually assaulted her. The child did not disclose the abuse immediately, fearing repercussions from Okoye.
The girl’s grandmother became aware of the situation only after the child fell seriously ill a week later. Following this, she took the girl to Okoye’s residence, where Okoye eventually agreed to take the child to a hospital. They were subsequently referred to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka for further treatment.
Okoye is now in police custody pending further investigation and legal proceedings. Anambra State’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, established in 2015, prescribes severe penalties for such crimes, including life imprisonment or a maximum of 14 years, depending on the specifics of the offense.
Numerous cases of sexual violence, including rape and defilement, remain under judicial review in Anambra.
