A heartbreaking case of child defilement has surfaced in Amaogudu Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, as a woman, Mrs. Ugo Enyinnaya, has raised alarm over the alleged assault of her 4-year-old daughter, Miss Chidera, by a man identified as Pastor Uche Arua, ABN TV reports.
Speaking on the podcast show “Talk Make I Talk” with Fakzy on Thursday 6th March 2024, Mrs. Enyinnaya recounted how the accused, a teacher at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, allegedly lured her daughter to his house and violated her on October 24, 2024.
According to her, the suspect had claimed to be a relative from Ebem Ohafia before taking the child under the pretext of showing her his house.
“Chidera later told me what he did to her, how he silenced her, and gave her snacks,” Mrs. Enyinnaya revealed.
Following the incident, she immediately reported the matter to the police. However, the suspect initially evaded arrest. Days later, he was seen entering the church where he teaches, but instead of turning himself in, he attempted to escape responsibility. It was the intervention of local youths that led to his eventual capture and subsequent handover to the police at Abiriba before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Umuahia.
Despite the arrest, the case has been fraught with delays and frustrations. Mrs. Enyinnaya disclosed that a first court hearing was held on December 18, 2024, but she was not informed on time due to financial and distance constraints.
During the second hearing on February 21, 2025, at Magistrate Court 11, Umuahia, the case suffered another setback as the assigned police inspector failed to appear.
“I want justice for my daughter,” Mrs. Enyinnaya pleaded. “But the barrister handling the case has told us that if we don’t provide a certain amount of money, he will not push the case further. He even suggested that we let the man go since we cannot afford it.”
She expressed fear that the case might be abandoned without public intervention, allowing the suspect to walk free.
As she continues to seek justice, Mrs. Enyinnaya is calling on authorities, human rights organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support her in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable.
“Little Chidera wants justice! Say no to rape! If justice is not served, this could happen to another innocent child!” she cried out.
