A 41-year-old man, Nwalobi Fredrick, has been arrested in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, on charges of impregnating his 16-year-old sister-in-law (name withheld). Nwalobi, an artisan from Ebonyi State, was taken into custody on Thursday after the girl’s family reported the incident to the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Awka.
Nwalobi, who recently remarried in April following the death of his first wife, has attributed his actions to the devil. According to Chidinmma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, the suspect claimed he was unable to support the girl due to his current family responsibilities.
The investigation revealed that the girl was placed in Nwalobi’s care in late January to continue her secondary education after her mother’s death. She reported that Nwalobi abused her just one day after she arrived at his home and continued to do so thereafter. The girl, now four months pregnant, stated that Nwalobi has refused to take responsibility for her condition.
Despite Nwalobi’s apologies, Commissioner Obinabo has referred the case to the Divisional Police in Ekwulobia for further investigation. Obinabo has pledged to thoroughly examine the case to ensure justice for the victim and to deter similar offenses in the future.