A 31-year-old man, James Rich has been arrested by officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with police operatives, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl.
The suspect, who is from Cross River State works as a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite-Awka where he resides with his wife and children.
According to a press statement on Thursday by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, she said;
“James Rich from Cross River State, but resident in Awka, Anambra State, is a yardman at St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Ifite Awka.
“The suspect 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 who spoke through her Special Assistant, Mrs Blessing Nweke, disclosed that the case will be charged to court immediately to get justice for the girl.
