A staff of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Mgbechi Wekwa, aged 45 years was arraigned last Monday in a Senior Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt for unlawful and sexual abuse of sixteen-year-old girl.
Arraigning the suspect, the Police said Mgbechi Wekwa ‘M’ on 13th day of January 2021 at Rumuakwunde in Emohua Local Government Area, but triable in Port Harcourt magisterial district did unlawfully and sexually abuse one Victoria Edwin ‘f’ 16 years old by inserting your penis into her vagina and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 32(1)(2) of the Child’s Right Act Cap. 50 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2003.
After hearing application for bail of the defendant by the defence Counsel Martina Okpeeholo, the Senior Magistrate Gomba Osaro Esq adjourned for bail consideration for the defendant to Monday,22nd day of February 2021 and remanded the defendant to Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
Speaking outside the Court room, Jane O. A. James (Mrs) a lawyer watching brief for the complainant on behalf of Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign expressed displeasure that the Police watered down the charge to Section 32(1)(2) of Child’s Right Act 2013 which is a charge of sexual abuse and exploitation instead of Section 31(1)(2) of Child’s Rights Act of 2013 which states the definition and punishment for rape as is the case in this instant matter.
