The Anambra government, in collaboration with the police, said it arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl in the Ifite area of Awka.

Ify Obinabo, the commissioner for women and social welfare, told journalists on Thursday in Awka that the arrest followed a report by the girl’s guardian.

Ms Obinabo said the suspect, James Rich, is a native of Cross River and resides and works at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in Ifite, Awka.

“After her guardian reported the matter, we started an investigation. The girl, who has a speech impediment, was taken to the hospital, and it was certified that she was pregnant. With the help of the police, the suspect was apprehended. He will face the full wrath of the law.

“This is a warning to adults in the state: stop defiling young girls, especially minors, to avoid spending the rest of your lives in prison custody. I want to assure residents that the state government is committed to protecting the rights of children in the state, ” she said.

The accused admitted to defiling the 14-year-old girl three times on the church premises and impregnating her.

“I had carnal knowledge of the girl for three Sundays before the 6:30 a.m. service, after which I gave her N200 to buy a biscuit. I’m married and I have two children. We are also expecting a third child.

“It was temptation that made me do it. It is my first time of doing this kind of thing. Please, I am very sorry,” said Mr Rich.

(NAN)