The Enugu State Government has arrested and detained the parents of a 13-year-old girl, the parents of her groom, the groom himself, and a local matchmaker following the consummation of an illegal underage marriage in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, confirmed the arrests on Friday, stating that the action became necessary after viral social media videos exposed the marriage of the minor, identified as Amarachi, and the involved parties repeatedly ignored official invitations from the ministry.
“We invited them to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to honour the invitation. Their refusal indicated complicity, so we had no choice but to effect their arrest,” Eni said.
Those currently in custody include the groom, his parents, the teenage bride’s parents, and a native doctor, Mrs. Patience, who acted as the matchmaker.
The commissioner revealed that the matchmaker claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence under Enugu State law.
Amarachi, who has never attended school, informed ministry officials that she was forced into the marriage and did not consent to it.
The groom’s mother reportedly defended the union by saying her son is an only child but fell silent when confronted with the provisions of the Child Rights Law.
During questioning, the ministry’s legal team briefed the detainees on the Child Rights Law and the severe penalties for child marriage, while senior officials educated them on the dangers of gender-based violence and the lifelong health risks of early marriage, including vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, and psychological trauma.
All suspects have now been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The 13-year-old victim has been taken into state protective custody, along with a two-year-old child discovered during the operation whose mother is yet to be identified.
The commissioner assured that Amarachi will receive comprehensive rehabilitation, formal education, and psychological support, and that the illegal marriage will be officially nullified.
Hon. Eni commended the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogalla; the area’s House of Assembly member; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for their swift cooperation that ensured the successful rescue and arrests.
The incident has reignited national outrage over persistent child marriage practices in parts of Nigeria despite existing laws prohibiting the marriage of anyone under 18.
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