DEVIL IN DISGUISE: Seminarian’s Heinous Crime Exposed

A monstrous act of defilement has shaken the Amanuke community in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, as Chukwudi Okoye, a 34-year-old seminarian in the Anglican Communion, has been apprehended for raping a 10-year-old girl.

The suspect’s horrific act was only brought to light in August, as stated by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

“We received a report about the incident, and immediately swung into action,” said Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.

“The commissioner, through security operatives, launched a hunt for the suspect, apprehended and brought him for interrogation before the law enforcement agents.”

According to the victim, Okoye lured her into his bed on the day of her graduation ceremony, under the guise of washing plates, and then proceeded to defile her. “He called me and my friend to come and wash plates for him,” the young girl recounted. “After I finished washing the plates, he discharged my friend and asked me to play with him. Then, he took me to his bed, removed my clothes, and had carnal knowledge of me.”

The victim’s grandmother expressed her shock and anguish upon learning about the incident.

“I only got to know about it after my granddaughter became seriously ill, which was one week after the incident,” she said.
“I took her to the suspect’s house after I learnt that he was responsible for the act. It was in the process that the suspect decided to take the child to the hospital, where they were subsequently referred to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka for further treatment.”

The suspect, Okoye, attempted to downplay his crime, claiming he only “fingered” the survivor because his manhood couldn’t enter her private parts. “I didn’t mean to do it,” he pleaded. “It was the work of the devil. I’m sorry, please pardon me.”

Commissioner Ify Obinabo condemned the act, stating, “This is a heinous crime against a vulnerable child. We will ensure that justice is served, and the suspect faces the full wrath of the law.”

The Anambra State Government has taken swift action, handing Okoye over to the police for further investigation and charging him to court. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 makes it clear: offenders will face life imprisonment or a maximum 14-year jail term.

This case is a grim reminder that the war against sexual violence is far from over. We demand justice for the victim and condemn such heinous crimes against women and girls.