Police apprehend man for allegedly defiling minor in Abia community
Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault in Abia State
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, identified as Stephen Njoku, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl in Ebem Ohafia, located in the Ohafia Local Government Area.
Local youths apprehended Njoku and handed him over to the police, who subsequently transferred him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia for further investigation. The victim has been taken to a hospital for immediate medical care.
The incident has prompted a strong reaction from the community, with approximately 200 women participating in protests demanding justice for the child. The demonstrators, brandishing fresh leaves, engaged in a traditional ceremony known as Ikpa Mbogo to condemn the alleged actions of the suspect.
The Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU) has denounced the incident, describing it as both disturbing and unacceptable. In a statement issued by Publicity Secretary Ifeanyi Okali, the union emphasized that the community maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of child abuse or exploitation.
The EODU urged community members, particularly the protesting women, to exercise restraint while the investigation is ongoing. They reassured residents that law enforcement authorities are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring justice.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka confirmed the arrest and stated that authorities had visited the scene of the incident. She assured the public that Njoku would face charges in court following the completion of the investigation.
