Follow Us on Google
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government, Enugu State, after allegedly marrying a 13-year-old girl in a traditional ceremony held earlier in the week.
The Enugu State Police Command, acting on a tip-off and working alongside officials of the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, stormed the venue and halted the ceremony.
The minor was immediately rescued and placed under state protection, while the groom and several others connected to the arrangement were taken into custody.
Other News
According to government officials, all individuals who facilitated or consented to the marriage, including family members, will face prosecution.
A source say the suspects would be charged under the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, both of which criminalise child and forced marriage in Nigeria.
The rescued girl is said to be in protective custody and is receiving medical attention and psychological support.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls placed to his phone.
