Umuaka News24

Umuaka, Imo State – A heartbreaking case of the sexual defilement of a minor has rocked the Umuaka community, with one suspect already in police custody while his accomplice remains on the run.

The victim, a young girl of 13yrs whose mother hails from Isiozi and married to Enugu, is said to have been eking out a living by hawking Ukwu (local snacks) from house to house alongside her younger sister.

According to reports, the suspect identified as Okey Dire, popularly known as G.O Dire, who operates an electrical and electronics shop opposite Emegharaibe Filling Station in Okpo Achara, Umuaka, allegedly lured the young girl into his room under the pretext of buying her goods.

While her younger sister waited outside, G.O Dire reportedly tricked the small girl into his private room where he allegedly had carnal knowledge of her, defiling her virginity.

After the initial act and subsequent follow ups, sources claim G.O Dire introduced the minor to his friend, Hero, also known as Onyi Otega or Onyinyechi Onuigbo, from Uba. The second suspect allegedly continued the sexual exploitation of the small girl.

Hero, a married man of sort, reportedly took the underage girl to a hotel in Owerri for several days, where he engaged in repeated sexual acts with her. He also allegedly bought her a mobile phone to facilitate further communication and meetings.

The entire scheme reportedly came to light when the girl returned home with the new phone. Family members, suspicious of how a teenage hawker could afford such an item, began questioning her.

Under pressure, the girl confessed everything — revealing how G.O Dire broke her virginity and handed her over to his friend Hero for continued sexual abuse.

Following the confession, Onyi Otega (Hero) was promptly arrested by the police for the defilement of a minor. However, before authorities could arrest Okey Dire (G.O Dire), he reportedly got wind of the situation and fled his shop and AKAH community. He has since been declared missing and is currently at large.

Residents of Umuaka have expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a wicked exploitation of a vulnerable child. Many are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspect so he can face justice.

The case is currently under investigation by the police.

Umuaka News24 will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as they unfold.

Parents and guardians have been advised to be extra vigilant with their children, especially young girls who hawk goods in the community.

We stand with the victim and demand justice for this innocent child as we shall make contacts with Human rights and children welfare institutions to follow up the case.

Umuaka News24 – Reporting the truth, always.