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

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2023

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs

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

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

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

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

Oguejiofor said the suit sought six prayers from the court.

“First, a declaration that the minor is entitled to respect for the dignity of her person and should not be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment by the respondents.

“Second, a declaration that Mr Enwelum’s carnal knowledge of the minor between Jan. 2022 and June 2023 constituted an infringement of her right to dignity.

“Third, a declaration that the respondents’ attempt at compromising and sweeping earlier charge, Number MEN/319C/2023 under the carpet, was against the law.

“That taking the minor to their residence, Number 13/15 Onoh Crescent GRA, Enugu to live with them as if nothing had happened constituted mental, emotional or psychological torture for the minor.

“We are also seeking an order of the court that the applicant in the person of the Minister of Women Affairs and the ministry take immediate custody of the minor and cater for her needs henceforth.

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“Fifth prayer is a court order restraining the respondents by themselves or through their agents or privies from having anything whatsoever to do with the minor till she reaches the age of 21 years.

“The sixth prayer is that respondents be made to pay N10 million damages jointly and severally,’’ Oguejiofor said.

Mr Enwelum, step-father of the minor, reportedly had several unlawful carnal knowledge of her between Jan. 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, 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.

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At a news conference on Oct. 17, the minister said the ministry would take up legal action against the couple to ensure that the minor gets justice as well as serve as deterrent to others who might want to toe the same line.

“This minor has been molested severally by her stepfather who has deflowered her and given her diseases as confirmed at the hospital and by the lawyer and mother of the girl.

“The matter was taken to court, but unfortunately, a magistrate released the man on bail.

“We want to know why he was released in spite of grave allegations made against him simply because the minor’s mother cried that she did not want her husband to be jailed,’’ the minister told the October news conference.

“What about the voiceless girl? What about the torture and emotional pains the girl went through and threat not to disclose the molestation,’’? she queried.

“We are suing the woman for negligence. If she was not negligent, this girl would not have suffered this thing for a long time,’’ minister stressed.

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

(NAN)

Related Topics:defilement Enugu couple Minister

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‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Trends Admin

‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, (NNPC) Limited has warned the public to beware of fraudulent recruitment advertisements circulating online, stating that it is not conducting any hiring process at the moment.

In a statement issued on its official X handle on Friday, the state-owned oil company cautioned job seekers against falling victim to fake recruitment schemes, emphasizing that all legitimate job openings would only be announced through its official channels.

“The general public is hereby informed that NNPC Limited is not recruiting.

“Official recruitment announcements will only be made through our website and verified social media platforms,” the statement read.

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The company reiterated that its recruitment process is “transparent, merit-based, and requires no external assistance.”

The company urged Nigerians to disregard any unofficial job advertisements that claim to be from NNPC Ltd., as they could be attempts to defraud unsuspecting applicants.

The management further assured the public that it remains committed to upholding the integrity of its hiring process and would notify Nigerians whenever recruitment officially commences.

“We advise the public to always verify information directly from our official platforms to avoid being misled by scammers,” the company stated.

The company urged individuals to report any suspicious recruitment advertisements falsely linked to NNPC Ltd. to the appropriate authorities.

‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts

metro

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Trends Admin

Governor Ademola Adeleke

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

In response to the resurgence of hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas, respectively.

Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the new directive in a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, emphasizing the government’s determination to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“Following a resurgence of the crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, in a move to curb its further spread, has announced a new curfew time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until lasting peace is restored,” he said.

Expressing deep concern over the renewed violence, the governor condemned the fresh outbreak of communal clashes.

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“Gov. Ademola expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew on the communities now be extended to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective today, Friday, March 21, until further notice,” Alimi stated.

The commissioner further revealed that a joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been instructed to sustain 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas to uphold law and order.

“In addition, the governor directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” he added.

Governor Adeleke called on residents, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to embrace peace.

Communal Clash: Gov Adeleke imposes new curfew on Ifon, Ilobu communities

metro

BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun

BREAKING: IGP redeploys 38 police commissioners

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate posting of 38 Commissioners of Police to various State Commands and Police Formations.

The deployment comprises 9 commissioners of police to key state commands and an additional 29 CPs to various police formations across the country.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, said the commissioners of Police deployed to state commands include CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba to Zamfara State, CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon to Taraba State, CP Christopher Ado Emmanuel to Yobe State, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin to Cross-River State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman to Niger State, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu to Bauchi State, CP Bello Shehu to Katsina State, CP Saka Adewale Ajao as Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and CP Ojo Adekimi to Kwara State.

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“In addition to these State Command appointments, the deployment also includes the posting of 29 CPs to various police formations as part of a broader effort to address rising security challenges and ensure effective policing that is responsive to community needs. Each CP will be tasked with implementing tailored strategies that reflect the unique requirements of their respective formations, ensuring that policing is both proactive and effective.

“The IGP charges the newly deployed CPs to prioritize their responsibilities in curbing insecurity and misconduct, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order through robust intelligence-led policing. This deployment reflects the dedication of the new Police leadership to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is well-equipped to address the challenges of maintaining peace and security in the country,” the statement said.