Charge against proprietor who allegedly defiled 4-year-old pupil to be updated from an initial charge that could have seen him walk free

The initial charge brought against a proprietor who allegedly defiled a 4-year-old pupil has been withdrawn following an outcry on social media.

Recall that it was alleged that Innocent Ezeukwu, the proprietor at Great Leader International School, Agbor, Delta, defiled a minor after allegedly using scissors to tear her hymen on Oct. 4 (read here). It was also alleged that he was about to walk free because his lawyer was trying to get the victim’s mother to settle out of court.

Staff of the Behind Bars Initiative (BBI) got involved following public outcry and they shared a copy of the initial charge brought against Mr Innocent. According to Harrison Gwamnishu, founder of BBI, the proprietor was charged with unlawful assault and this would have “resulted in him being set free today”.

Gwanishu claimed the initial charge was “defilement” but the police used a correcting pen to change it to the lesser charge of “unlawful assault”.

However, the charge of unlawful assault has now been withdrawn following public outcry. 

Giving an update on the case, Gwamnishu said: “We immediately called the attention of the Delta State Police Commissioner who frowned on the situation and immediately ordered the Area Commander to WITHDRAW THE CHARGE and transfer the case to State CID for thorough investigations.

“The chief magistrate also frowned at the charges filed by the police and ordered the police to take the suspect back to station and to be moved to SCID for further investigation.

“THE CASE HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN AND SUSPECT WILL REMAIN IN CUSTODY OF THE POLICE.”