The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has apprehended a 31-year-old man, James Rich, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka.
Rich, originally from Cross River State and working as a gardener at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in Ifite-Awka, was taken into custody following the incident, as announced in a press statement by Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, the Media Aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, on Thursday.
During an Interviewing, the suspect, accepted to have defiled the 14-year-old and impregnated her in the process.
“He explained that he normally sleeps with her every Sunday morning in the church premises adding 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.
The minor, who faces developmental challenges, revealed that the suspect regularly assaults her every Sunday morning before the 6:30 a.m. service commences.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner announced that the case would promptly be taken to court to ensure justice for the girl.
She issued a stern warning to adults, urging them to refrain from assaulting young girls, particularly minors, to prevent facing potential lifelong imprisonment, emphasizing that the state does not tolerate such actions.
