By Lawal Adenike
Felix Anyaegbunam, a lecturer at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebony State has been arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl.
According to reports, the victim who is a native of Ezra North Local Government Area of the State while living with her father who served as a gateman in Anyaegbunam’s house had been sexually harrassed by the lecturer for more than six months.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Human Rights Defenders in Ebonyi, Sampson Oko Nweke said that the suspect was arrested on Saturday, November, 20.
He said, “A professor at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, in Ebonyi State, is now in police net. He is from Anambra State. His wife is also a professor and most of his children are doctoral degree holders.
“A few days ago, a whistleblower brought a report against the professor leading to his arrest and detention yesterday (Saturday) by the police. He is being accused of constant sexual abuse of the 12-year-old daughter of his gateman.
“The victim is from Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State. However, she has been rescued and currently receiving medical examination and attention.”
Narrating her ordeal in the hands of her violator, the victim gave a personal testimony of what transpired between her and the professor.
She said, “I was living in the village with my mother. My daddy brought me to live with Prof. in Abakaliki. Since June this year, he had been disturbing me. He always came into my room and did what I did not like.
“One day around 2am, I ran to my father at the security house and told him that Prof. was pressing my breasts. My father told me to go back that he would talk to him in the morning. Sometimes, I would wake up and see myself naked.
“The other day, somebody was touching me in the midnight. I woke up, put on the light and saw Prof. lying on my bed naked. He tried to touch me, but I slapped him and pushed him out of my room. I was crying.
“One day, I woke up and my bed was soaked with blood. I didn’t know what happened. I told my father in the morning, but he didn’t do anything. He used to tell me that if I leave Prof.’s house, who would pay my school fees? That is how Prof. has continued to disturb me until I told my aunty in the school because because I didn’t like that nonsense Prof was doing.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Mrs Loveth Odah said that the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba had ordered an investigation into the case.
“The suspect of the alleged case of rape is in police custody now. The CP has ordered discreet investigation into the matter; we are awaiting the medical screening and report of the victim,” she said.
