The Anambra State Government has arrested a 40-year-old man, Anietie Tim, who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl.
The State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, April 18, 2024, said the suspect was arrested in Onitsha after several failed attempts.
The Statement signed by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the commissioner, said the incident happened in 2022 after which the suspect has been evading arrest through the help of some military personnel at the Barrack where he lives.
It was further gathered that the suspect had on different occasions threatened the mother of his victim, claiming to be untouchable.
According to the statement, Mr. Tim claimed he never knew his victim was a minor, adding that she was the one that tempted him.
“This she was able to achieve through a radio presenter resident in Onitsha Francis Pember, who volunteered to help after he was intimated of the incident,” the statement read.
“The suspect, Anietie Tim, from Eninan AkwaIbom in his defense said he never knew his victim was an under age and went further to say that she was the one that tempted him and he responded because he’s a man with blood flowing through his veins.
“Mr Tim also explained that before the incident, he was already befriending his 14 Year old victim, who, according to him, was always starved at home.
“On his part, the On Air Personality Mr Francis, thanked the state government for always fighting for the vulnerable people in the state and stated that he’s rest assured that the ministry will not let the suspect go free.
“The Women Affairs Commissioner, Obinabo after questioning the suspect directed that he be handed over to the police as he will be appearing before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka to answer for his crime.
“It is important to note that the incident happened in 2022 after which the suspect has been evading arrest through the help of some military personnel at the Barrack where he lives and he had on different occasions threatened the mother of his victim claiming to be untouchable.”
