Posted by Mrs. Uju Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, sued Mr. Ifeanyi Enwelum and Mrs. Christabel Enwelum of Enugu for defiling their nine-year-old daughter.
On Saturday in Enugu, minister’s counsel Mr. Chuma Oguejiofor informed reporters that the suit, numbered E/987/2023, was brought before the Enugu State High Court to protect the minor’s fundamental rights.
According to Oguejiofor, the action requests six court prayers.
The youngster is entitled to respect for her dignity and should not be tortured or treated inhumanely or degradingly by the replies.
Second, a declaration that Mr. Enwelum’s carnal knowledge of the minor between Jan. 2022 and June 2023 violated her dignity.
Third, a declaration that the respondents’ attempt to compromise and cover up MEN/319C/2023 was illegal.
“That taking the minor to their home, Number 13/15 Onoh Crescent GRA, Enugu, to live as if nothing had happened, was mental, emotional, and psychological torture.
We also want the court to instruct the Minister of Women Affairs and the Ministry to take custody of the youngster and meet her needs.
The fifth prayer is a court order barring the respondents or their agents or privies from interacting with the minor until she becomes 21.
“The sixth prayer is that respondents pay N10 million damages jointly and severally,” Oguejiofor added.
Between Jan. 1, 2022 and June 10, 2023, the minor’s stepfather, Mr. Enwelum, had several unlawful carnal knowledge of her at his 13/15 Onoh Crescent, GRA Enugu apartment in Enugu North Local Government Area
Mrs. Christabel Enwelum, the minor’s biological mother, was irresponsible in not protecting her from frequent vaginal penetration.
Dr. Samuel Ndukwu, Enugu Nigerian Police Clinic doctor, confirmed the penetrations.
Public outcry over Mr. Enwelum’s bail from an Enugu Magistrate’s Court prompted the minister to question its rationale.
Given the crime and the rise of sexual and gender-based violence in the country, especially in Enugu State, the minister questioned the bail.
At a news conference on Oct. 17, the minister stated the Ministry would sue the pair to ensure the kid obtains justice and dissuade others from doing the same.
“This minor has been molested several times by her stepfather, who has deflowered her and given her diseases, according to the hospital, lawyer, and mother.
Tragically, a magistrate freed the man on bail after court proceedings.
“We want to know why he was released in spite of grave allegations simply because the minor’s mother cried that she did not want her husband jailed,” the minister told the October news conference.
“What about the silent girl? She asked about the girl’s torment, emotional agony, and warning not to report the molestation.
We sued the woman for carelessness. The minister said this girl would not have suffered so long if she had not been negligent.