Couple Dragged To Court By Women Affairs Minister Over Defilement Of 9-Year-Old Daughter

An Enugu couple, Mr Ifeanyi Enwelum and Mrs Christabel Enwelum, have been dragged to court by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Ohanenye, over the defilement of their nine-year-old daughter.

Osun Defender had reported that 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.

Mr Enwelum was earlier granted bail by an Enugu Magistrate’s Court, a decision that caused a public outcry.

The minister at a press conference on October 17, 2023, 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.

Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, Mr Chuma Oguejiofor, the counsel to the Minister, said a suit, numbered E/987/2023, was filed at the Enugu State High Court to enforce the fundamental rights of the minor.

Oguejiofor noted that the suit is seeking six prayers from the court.

He said, “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.

“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.”