A 41-year-old man named Nwalobi Fredrick has been arrested for allegedly impregnating his 16-year-old sister-in-law in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The arrest followed a complaint by the girl’s family to the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
Nwalobi, an artisan from Ebonyi State, was taken into custody by security operatives on Thursday. He had recently remarried in April after the death of his first wife. During interrogation, Nwalobi blamed the devil for his actions and admitted he could not support the girl financially because of his new family responsibilities.
Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed details of the case in a statement on Thursday.
The statement revealed that the incident began in late January when the girl was sent to live with Nwalobi to complete her secondary education after her mother passed away. The girl recounted that Nwalobi first assaulted her just a day after she arrived at his house and continued to abuse her since then.
“During interrogation, the 16-year-old girl revealed that the incident started in late January when she was brought to be kept in the custody of her in-law to enable her to finish her secondary education since the demise of her mother,” the statement read. “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.”
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The girl further disclosed that she is now four months pregnant and that Nwalobi has refused to take responsibility. “Ever since she became pregnant, her in-law had refused to take responsibility for putting her in a family way,” the statement added.
Despite Nwalobi’s pleas, Commissioner Obinabo handed him over to the Divisional Police in Ekwulobia for further investigation. Obinabo emphasized her commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and to deter similar acts in the future.
“We will get to the root of the matter to ensure justice for the victim,” Obinabo stated. “This will serve as a deterrent to others who are into such acts.”
The case highlights ongoing issues of sexual abuse and exploitation, especially within families, and underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action by authorities to protect vulnerable individuals.