The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, has apprehended James Rich, a 31-year-old man residing in Awka, for impregnating a 14-year-old girl in the state capital.
Rich, originally from Cross River State, works as a yardman at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in Ifite Awka. The arrest was announced in a press statement by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
According to Ikeanyionwu, Rich admitted to defiling the 14-year-old and impregnating her, confessing that the incidents occurred on Sunday mornings at the church premises. He disclosed that he gave the victim N200 after the acts, asserting it happened about three times. Despite being married with two children and expecting a third, Rich, who lives on the church premises, pleaded for forgiveness, citing temptation as the reason behind his actions.
The victim, who faces developmental challenges, corroborated Rich’s account, stating that he assaulted her every Sunday morning before the 6:30 am church service.
In response to the incident, Commissioner Ify Obinabo, conveyed through her Special Assistant, Blessing Nweke, affirmed that the case would be promptly taken to court to secure justice for the girl. She issued a stern warning against adults engaging in such heinous acts, emphasizing the state’s intolerance for child defilement and the severe legal consequences perpetrators would face.
