Mr. Cornelius Edomobi Dike of Amainyi Nta Autonomous Community in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State, reports that the once peaceful community is now gripped by fear, tension, and unrest.
This turmoil stems from the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl, Miss Nmesoma Chiwike, by a 60-year-old man, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu, who is also from Omulo village in the same community.
Edomobi Dike, an eyewitness and community leader, told Newstap.com.ng on Sunday that the incident occurred about two weeks ago. The community is on edge, concerned that law and order could collapse if justice is not swiftly served.
They have accused the Imo State Police Command of possible complicity with the suspect, citing the rapid granting of bail as evidence of police compromise.
According to Dike, the suspect brazenly flaunts his impunity, causing widespread apprehension. Despite interventions from the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and other human rights organizations, the police have shown reluctance to advance prosecution in the case.
The community has since petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 9 in Umuahia, demanding an urgent transfer and firm prosecution of the case. The petition, dated November 11, 2025, was submitted through Onuoha Law Firm (Ogbuiyi Chambers), Aba, and signed by Sir OPJ Ogbuji Esq.
Dike revealed that the suspect, a provision store owner, allegedly used his business and the community’s poverty to lure young girls with gifts before sexually abusing them.
There are claims this misconduct has lasted for some time, with some parents confronting the suspect after confessions from victims. However, poverty and stigma have led to hesitance in pursuing legal action.
The community also harbors suspicions that the accused exploits these sexual escapades for sinister purposes. The latest incident has heightened anxiety and demands for justice are urgent.
On the day the alleged defilement occurred, local youths attempted to administer vigilante justice by attacking the suspect and his shop. Police intervention from Isinweke Police Station prevented violence, arresting the suspect and taking statements from both parties.
The case was later transferred to the Department of Quick Response, CID Section, Owerri Police Command, with Mr. Kings David as the Investigation Police Officer. Yet the community remains dissatisfied with perceived police apathy and the quick bail granted to the suspect.
Dike stressed that defilement is a grave criminal offense, not subject to private settlement by police, families, or community leaders. Such cases, he said, must be prosecuted by the State regardless of any family forgiveness, as per Nigerian law.
Legally, defilement of a child under 13 years is punishable by life imprisonment under Section
218 of the Criminal Code Act (applicable in southern states including Imo), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, or the Penal Code in northern states. Some northern states may also apply the death penalty under certain laws.
He reiterated that the nine-year-old victim is fully protected under the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, and international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These laws affirm her right to safety, dignity, justice, medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation.
The community’s call for justice reflects a desperate plea to restore peace, order, and dignity to their land amid growing fears fueled by the suspect’s ongoing impunity.