Pascal Arogorn Ibe
A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Port Harcourt , Rivers State , on Monday remanded a 45-year -old worker of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education , Mgbechi Wekwa , in the Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year- old girl .
The accused was alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of the teenager on January 13, 2021, at Rumuakwunde community, in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State .
The Senior Magistrate , Gomba Osaro , who remanded the accused, deferred his bail application filed by his counsel , Martina Okpeeholo , till Monday , February 22, 2021.
The charge against the defendant read , “ That you , Mgbechi Wekwa , on January 13, 2021, at Rumuakwunde , in the Emohua Local Government Area, but triable in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District , did unlawfully and sexually abuse one ( name withheld) of 16 years old by inserting your penis into her private parts , thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 32( 1)( 2) of the Child’ s Right Act Cap . 50 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria , 2003. ”
Jane James, the counsel holding brief for the complainant, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign , expressed displeasure that the police arraigned the accused under Section 32( 1) ( 2) of the Child’ s Right Act 2013, which is a charge of sexual abuse and exploitation, instead of Section 31( 1) ( 2) , which states the definition and punishment for rape .
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