A 41-year-old man, Nwalobi Fredrick, has been arrested by Ekwulobia police for allegedly impregnating his 16-year-old in-law in Anambra State.
Fredrick, an artisan from Ebonyi State, is accused of assaulting the girl after her family entrusted him with her care following her mother’s death.
According to a statement released by the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner’s media aide, Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, the victim alleges the abuse began in January, shortly after moving in with Fredrick.
Despite initially blaming the devil for his actions, the statement reveals the girl is four months pregnant. Fredrick reportedly denied responsibility, claiming financial constraints due to his recent remarriage.
The Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, disregarded Fredrick’s pleas and handed him over to the Ekwulobia Divisional Police for further investigation.
The statement read: “Contrary to what the suspect had earlier told the Honourable Commissioner, the 16-year-old girl stated that the incident started after she was kept in her in-law’s care in late January to enable her finish her secondary education since the demise of her mother.
“She explained that it was just a day after settling in his house that Mr Nwalobi first had carnal knowledge of her and ever since has been having his way with her body.
“Upon further interrogation, she revealed that she’s already four months gone, and ever since she became pregnant, her in-law has refused to take responsibility for putting her in a family way.
“Meanwhile, the 41-year-old suspect, who remarried in April after the death of his first wife, says he doesn’t have money to take care of the girl since he now has his own family.
“On her part, the women and social welfare Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo, despite the suspect’s plea, handed him over to the Ekwulobia Divisional police for further investigation.”
