The arraignment of three suspects in Anambra State over separate allegations involving incest, child defilement and rape has once again exposed a troubling reality reflected in child protection data across Nigeria.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga revealed on Wednesday that the suspects were arraigned after investigations and have been remanded in line with court orders pending further hearings.
“The arraignment demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence,” Ikenga said.
Ikenga said that one of the defendants, Ikenna Mojekwu, was charged with allegedly committing incest against his 14-year-old daughter in Aguluzoigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area
Chibuike Ikemelu, was arraigned for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Abatete, Idemili North LGA, while a 16-year-old, Chukwuma Emenike, was charged with allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in Umuoji.
While the cases are unrelated, they point to a national pattern as available data reveals that child sexual abuse in Nigeria is both widespread and highly underreported.
The 2014 Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), Nigeria’s most comprehensive study on violence against children, found that one in four girls experiences sexual violence before turning 18, and one in ten boys also experiences sexual violence before age 18.
The data revealed that most survivors know their perpetrators personally, and never disclose the abuse or seek formal help.
The survey further revealed that perpetrators are frequently family members, neighbours, intimate partners, teachers or other trusted adults rather than strangers.
That pattern is reflected in the Anambra cases, particularly the incest allegation involving a biological father.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), abuse committed within families often remains hidden longer because victims fear retaliation, shame, or disbelief.
The Anambra prosecutions come barely days after a Rivers State Family Court sentenced a 75-year-old man to ten years’ imprisonment for defiling an 11-year-old girl.
The court also ordered him to pay N1 million compensation to the victim’s family and directed that his name be entered into the state’s sex offenders register.
These cases highlight the continuing vulnerability of children to sexual violence in different parts of Nigeria.
