James Rich, 31, has been taken into custody by the Anambra State Police Command on charges of defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 16, 2023, the State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, confirmed the event and stated that the suspect is a yardman at the St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican church in Ifite Awka, but he is originally from Cross Rivers state.
The suspect admitted to defiling the minor and impregnating her during questioning.
“The statement stated that he gave her the two hundred naira to buy biscuits after explaining that he typically does it every Sunday morning at the church grounds and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for around three times.
“The suspect, who resides on the church grounds and is married with two kids and expecting a third, goes about his everyday business there.
“He begged for forgiveness, saying that temptation drove him to perform the crime and that this was his first time doing it.
“He begged for forgiveness, saying that temptation drove him to perform the crime and that this was his first time doing it.
“On her part, the 14 year old victim who has developmental challenges added that the suspect usually defiles her early every Sunday morning before 6:30am service starts.”
Mrs. Obinabo, who spoke through her Special Assistant, Mrs. Blessing Nweke disclosed that the case will be charged to court immediately in order to get justice for the girl.
The Commissioner therefore warned adults to stop defiling young girls especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison custody as the state does not tolerate such.