A magistrate court in Owerri, Imo state, on Tuesday granted N500, 000 bail bond to a man, Emeka Ihekwugba, accused of having carnal knowledge of a 14- year -old girl ( name withheld).
Ihekwugba, an abroad returnee was arraigned by the police in the state before a magistrate, Adaora Ariche on two counts charge.
The count charges preferred against him by Samson Obodo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, legal department of the command read ” that you, Emeka Ihekwugba male on the 24th of April 2025, at about 1800hours ( 6pm) at Obinihu Nkwerre, triable in the Owerri magistrate District did with intent to have carnal knowledge of one ( name withheld) under the age of 18 years takes her out of her mother’s custody and protection or any other person having the lawful care or charge of her and thereby committed and offence punishable under section 225 of the Criminal Code “C38” laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo state.
“That you Emeka Ihekwugba male on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magistrate District did has or attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of one ( name withheld) female under the age of 18 years in your house against her wish and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 221 of the Criminal Code C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo state.”
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, as his console immediately sought for his bail which the prosecution counsel didn’t oppose.
Ruling on the bail application, the magistrate granted him N500, 000 bail bond with a reliable surty resident within the jurisdiction of the court, two passport photos and means of identification which must be submitted to the court.
The jurist who adjourned the matter to July 1, granted the application made by the state ministry of justice for the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution in the state.
The state chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers and other civil rights Organizations announced appearances in the matter.
The mother of the minor, Josiah had on May 1 visited a human rights Organization, Stand For Humanity Foundation, beaconing on the organization to help her ensure that her daughter got justice.
She had told the founder of the organization, Chidiebube Okeoma, that medical report from police clinic in Owerri showed that her daughter was defiled.
Okeoma, championed a media advocacy which went viral, calling on the state commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, state ministry of justice, ministry of women affairs, wife of the governor of the state, Chioma Uzodimma and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to step into the matter and ensure justice was served.
The minor also narrated to the activist journalist how the accused allegedly lured her into his bedroom, allegedly drugged her and allegedly defied her.
