By Kamsi Anayo
An 80-year-old man, Vincent Okoye, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-year old girl in Obinetiti, Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The suspect, a contractor and member of Igwe Benneth Emeka of Umueri’s royal cabinet, reportedly had carnal knowledge of the girl in one of the buildings at the site he was supervising.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, President of All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative (ANAM), Mrs Tessy Aniesi, said the case was brought to the organisation by Chairperson of Umuada Umueri, Mrs Chinasa Madisife, after it was reported at the Police Area Command, Otuocha Division.
She said the suspect, said to be a friend of the victim’s mother, a trader, was arrested on April 26 while the victim was taken to New life Hospital, Umueri where her alleged defilement was confirmed.
According to her, the victim, during interrogation, said the suspect had been abusing her but she could not report the crime to her mother or anyone because he threatened to kill her.
She said: “The workers at the site the suspect is supervising said they noticed that each time the girl comes to run errands for him, he takes her to one of the buildings and lock the door.
“On April 26, they saw her come out of the building crying. When she was queried, she narrated that the suspect always have sex with her whenever her mother ask her to come and run errands for him.
“The workers confronted the man and called the attention of the vigilante group, the Igwe and the Umuada of Umueri community, and eventually ANAM took up the matter.”
Aniesi assured the case would be followed up by ANAM Transformation Movement who would mobilise support to ensure justice for the victim.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect has been charged to court after investigations.
Also speaking, traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka said the suspect had been suspended from his cabinet, describing the act as taboo and embarrassment to the community.
He advised parents, especially mothers to be cautious and take responsibility of safety and security of their children.
He said, “The man in question is a member of my cabinet, he is my financial secretary and immediately the matter was reported, we suspended him and he can never come back 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.’
