A 56-year-old pastor, identified as Emeka Mkama, has allegedly defiled a four-year-old minor in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred on December 24, 2024, was made public on Monday after it was brought to the attention of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, and the Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Stanley Nkwoka.
It was gathered that the incident was not made public until it was brought to the attention of the commissioner and LGA chair, after one of the officers at Model Primary Health Centre, Obosi (name withheld) reported the incident to the Supervisor of Health in Idemili North.
The suspect, who hails from Ebonyi State, is said to be a pastor at Jesus Build the Church Mission in Obosi.
A family member of the victim who craved anonymity said the child has been sick since the incident happened without the family members reporting the matter to local authorities.
The source said, “It was when the child’s health worsened after being put through herbal medicine that her mother eventually reported to the primary health care facility.
“On interrogation, she disclosed that the alleged culprit who had already been detained since last month may soon be released, if any legal action is not immediately taken.”
Reacting to the development, the wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has intervened in the alleged rape incident.
In a statement on Monday, the media aide to the wife of Anambra State governor, Daniel Ezeigwe, said Mrs. Soludo, who received official reports of the case from the Commissioner for Health and the Chairman of the Idemili North LGA, noted that she has mobilised every legal action to ensure that thorough justice is served.
“On receipt of the full details of the incident, the governor’s wife immediately directed for closer monitoring of the child’s health with every detail of her treatment and recovery sent directly to her desk.
“Mrs. Soludo also directed the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo to take up the case and to also ensure that every established legal mechanism is comprehensively explored to nail the alleged culprit.
“The governor’s wife criticised the ‘culture of silence’ to dangerous crimes, insisting that the war against domestic and sexual violence would only become easier when people begin to speak up,” the statement added.
