An Owerri Magistrate Court has granted bail in the sum of N500,000 to Emeka Ihekwugba, who stands accused of having carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl in Nkwerre, Imo State.

Ihekwugba, reportedly a recent returnee from abroad, appeared before Magistrate Adaora Ariche on a two-count charge related to the incident that allegedly occurred on April 24, 2025, at Obinihu Nkwerre.

Charges Against the Accused

According to court documents, Ihekwugba is charged with taking the minor out of her mother's custody with intent to have carnal knowledge of her, an offense punishable under section 225 of the Criminal Code laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo State.

The second count alleges that the accused attempted to have unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor against her wish, violating section 221 of the same Criminal Code.

Ihekwugba pleaded not guilty to both charges, after which his counsel immediately applied for bail. The prosecution did not oppose the application.

Court Ruling and Next Steps

In her ruling, Magistrate Ariche granted the accused bail of N500,000 with a reliable surety who must be resident within the court's jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to July 1, 2025.

The magistrate also approved an application from the State Ministry of Justice to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further action.

Victim's Mother Seeks Justice

Mrs. Nkechinyere Josiah, mother of the victim, had earlier sought assistance from Stand For Humanity Foundation, a human rights organization, to help her daughter obtain justice. She reported that medical evidence from the Police Clinic in Owerri confirmed her daughter had been defiled.

The foundation's founder, Chidiebube Okeoma, launched a media advocacy campaign that gained significant attention. The campaign called on various authorities including the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, the State Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, the wife of the State Governor, Chioma Uzodinma, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to intervene in the matter.

According to reports, the minor told the foundation's founder that the accused allegedly lured her into his bedroom, drugged her, and subsequently defiled her.

BenriNews will continue to follow this case as it develops through the judicial system.