Married church worker arrested for defiling and impregnating 14-year-old girl in Anambra

Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, James Rich, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka.

The State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 16, 2023, said the suspect hails from Cross Rivers state but works as a yardman at the St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican church, Ifite Awka. 

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to have defiled the minor and impregnated her in the process. 

“He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gives her the sum of two hundred naira to buy biscuit,” the statement read. 

“The suspect who is married with two children and expecting the third, lives in the church premises where he carries out his daily activity.

“He pleaded for pardon, stating that this is his first time of committing the crime and that it was temptation that made him do so.

“On her part, the 14 year old victim who has developmental challenges added that the suspect usually defiles her early every Sunday morning before 6:30am service starts.” 

Mrs. Obinabo, who spoke through her Special Assistant, Mrs. Blessing Nweke disclosed that the case will be charged to court immediately in order to get justice for the girl.

The Commissioner therefore warned adults to stop defiling young girls especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison custody as the state does not tolerate such.