A Chief Magistrate Court in Owerri has ordered the remand of a 63-year-old man, Chidi Onuogu, over allegations that he repeatedly sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Chief Magistrate O.J. Uzoechi issued the remand order on Thursday after hearing the matter in chambers, describing the alleged conduct as unlawful and serious.
The defendant was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor. Prosecutor Esther Nzeh told the court that the alleged offence took place on April 29, 2026, at the suspect’s residence in Amata community, Ikeduru LGA.
According to the charge before the court, Onuogu allegedly had unlawful sexual relations with a girl under the age of 12, an offence punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code as applicable in Imo State.
During the proceedings, the victim informed the court that the defendant allegedly abused her on five separate occasions at his residence. She further claimed that he threatened her with harm if she disclosed the incidents to anyone.
The court also heard the defendant’s response to the allegations. Onuogu reportedly claimed that the incident occurred while he was dreaming and that he only became aware of the situation after waking up. He further stated that he often gave the child rice whenever she was hungry.
The magistrate, however, rejected any suggestion that providing food could excuse the alleged offence, stressing that such an explanation could not justify the abuse of a minor.
Following the hearing, the court ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre pending a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), expected on June 23, which will determine the next legal steps, including possible arraignment before the Family Court.
Reacting to the development, the founder of Stand For Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, said the organisation intervened to ensure the case was properly prosecuted after receiving reports that efforts were being made to suppress the matter.
Okeoma alleged that the victim and her mother faced intimidation because of their economic background and commended the court for allowing the legal process to proceed.
“We are happy that the defendant was arraigned and remanded. We stepped in after learning that some people wanted the matter swept under the carpet. The minor and her mother were allegedly being intimidated because they are poor,” he said.
The human rights advocate also praised the police for their role in bringing the matter before the court and pledged that the organisation would continue monitoring the case to ensure justice is served.
