A Chief Magistrate's Court in Awka (Anambra State) has remanded Sunday Muoghalu, a 75-year old man, in prison for allegedly raping a 13 year-old girl he had in his custody.

Remember that last weekend, a video of the minor, who was impregnated by Muoghalu, her guardian, went viral online. This prompted a quick response from the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social welfare, Hon Ify Obinabo.

The girl was rescued by the emergency response team and the suspect was arrested on Sunday, December 11.

Muoghalu, a resident at Umuoruka, Awka, was brought before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, Awka, presided by Judge Genevieve Osakwe on December 14.

He was charged with defilement, carnal knowledge, emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse.

Ruling on bail application by the defense Counsel to the defendant, the presiding court stated that the rate of rape and defilement of minors in the state is alarming. He also added that the defendant is old enough to be the grandfather of the complainant.

Further, the chief Magistrate stated that even though the defense counsel requested bail be granted to defendant on the grounds that he had acute diabetes and hypertension, he failed to provide any medical report or hospital extract to that effect.

However, the court refused bail to the defendant and ordered him to be held in prison custody. The prosecuting counsel was also asked to forward the police file to the Office of the DPP, Ministry of Justice so that it could file information before the High Court.

The former Minister for Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Aninih, was present during the court hearing.

Hmmm
It is well