Minister drags Enugu couple to court over defilement of 9-year-old daughter

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Ohanenye, has instituted a suit against a couple, Mr Ifeanyi Enwelum and Mrs Christabel Enwelum in Enugu over the breach of rights and defilement of their nine-year-old daughter. The counsel to the minister, Mr Chuma Oguejiofor, told newsmen yesterday in Enugu that the suit number E/987/2023 was filed […]

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Ohanenye, has instituted a suit against a couple, Mr Ifeanyi Enwelum and Mrs Christabel Enwelum in Enugu over the breach of rights and defilement of their nine-year-old daughter.

The counsel to the minister, Mr Chuma Oguejiofor, told newsmen yesterday in Enugu that the suit number E/987/2023 was filed at the Enugu State High Court on Thursday to enforce the fundamental rights of the minor.

It also sought to signpost a public interest matter to instill decency and morality.

Oguejiofor said the suit sought six prayers from the court.

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Mr Enwelum, the stepfather of the minor, reportedly had several unlawful carnal knowledge of her between January 1, 2022 and June 10, 2023 at his 13/15 Onoh Crescent, GRA Enugu residence in Enugu North Local Government Area.

The minor’s biological mother, Mrs Christabel Enwelum, was reported to be negligent as she did not protect her daughter from repeated penetration of her vagina.

The penetrations were confirmed by Dr Samuel Ndukwu, a medical practitioner at the Nigerian Police Clinic, Enugu.

A bail earlier granted Mr Enwelum by an Enugu Magistrate’s Court caused public outcry, making the minister to query the rationale behind it.

The minister queried the rationale for the bail considering the nature of the crime and the spate of sexual and gender-based violence in the country, especially in Enugu State. (NAN)