The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Stephen Njoku, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in Ebem Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area.
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Njoku was apprehended by youths of the Ebem community and handed over to the police. He has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Umuahia, for further investigation.
The victim was promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The incident triggered a protest by about 200 women from Ebem, who marched through the community demanding justice for the child. The women performed a traditional outing known as Ikpa Mbogo, carrying fresh leaves as they called for action against the suspect.
In a strongly worded statement, the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU) condemned the alleged sexual abuse of the minor, describing the incident as “disturbing, unacceptable, and contrary to the cherished values, traditions, and moral standards of the Ebem Ohafia people.”
Signed by its Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi Okali, the statement emphasised the community’s zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, or violation of the rights and dignity of children and vulnerable persons.
The union appealed to aggrieved women and other community members to remain calm, noting that the matter is now under active investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said officers visited the scene and apprehended the suspect.
“ The suspect would be charged to court when the ongoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department is concluded,” DSP Chinaka assured the public.
