Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra has suspended an 80-year-old Vincent Okoye from the royal cabinet for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl.

Igwe Benneth Emeka of Umueri, while addressing the All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative (ANAM) on Saturday at his palace, said the community did not condone such crime.

He said the suspect had been suspended from the royal cabinet as the alleged crime was taboo and embarrassing to the community.

“The man in question is a member of my cabinet, my financial secretary, and immediately the matter was reported, we suspended him, and he can never return to the cabinet again.

“The matter has been taken to court, and that shows that the community does not condone such crime. We have also given the girl scholarship to show our concern and protect her future. It could have been anybody’s child.

“I’m advising parents, especially mothers, to be cautious and take responsibility for the safety and security of their children,” he said.

Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, confirmed that the suspect had been arrested and charged to court.

Also speaking, Richard Okoti, the resident prosecutor handling the matter, confirmed that the suspect was arraigned at Otuocha Chief Magistrates’ Court on April 29, where he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on health grounds.

Mr Okoti said the police submitted its compliance report on Friday, and the court adjourned sine die.

However, Tessy Aniesi, president of ANAM Transformation Movement, said that the suspect, who was a contractor and a member of the Umueri royal cabinet, was a family friend of the victim, and he usually sent the girl on errands.

Mrs Aniesi said the alleged crime was reported at the Police Area Command, Otuocha Division, by the Umuada Umueri on April 26, and the perpetrator was arrested.

She said the girl was also taken to a hospital in Umueri, where it was confirmed that she was defiled.

“During interrogation, the girl said the suspect has been abusing her, but she could not report the crime to her mother or anyone because the man threatened to kill her,” she said.

(NAN)