Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a middle-aged man, Tochukwu Nwora, for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl who is now heavily pregnant.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the arrest in a statement noted that the suspect was apprehended during a raid conducted on June 17 around St. Paul’s Secondary School, Achalla, by operatives attached to Achalla Divisional Police Headquarters.
SP. Ikenga maintained that the raid was triggered by intelligence on youths allegedly involved in the use of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as Mkpuru Mmiri.
“During the raid, the team rescued a 15-year-old girl, who is heavily pregnant, and arrested one Tochukwu Nwora over alleged defilement and child exploitation.
“In the peak of the operation, the operatives observed a middle-aged man in a compromising situation with the minor,” he said.
Ikenga said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had allegedly been repeatedly defiled by several adult males at different times in Nando, Nteje, and Achalla.
He said the investigation further suggested that the suspects exploited her vulnerable condition by giving her a small amount of money.
The spokesman noted that the victim had been taken to the Police Hospital, Awka, where medical examinations and other necessary procedures had commenced.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikoye Orutugu, had directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, for a comprehensive investigation.
He said the investigation would seek to determine whether the victim’s parent or guardian bore any culpability, and to facilitate the prosecution of all persons involved.
“The Command condemns all forms of child abuse, exploitation, and violence against minors and reassures the public of its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims,” Ikenga said.
