Father nabbed for giving out under-age daughter in marriage

An Anambra state resident, Uzochukwu Okoli, has been arrested by the Anambra State Government for organizing the marriage of his underage daughter.

Okoli was apprehended after his daughter layed complained to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare about the abuse she was receiving from her father and the man he forced her to marry.

After the death of their mother, Chioma Okoli, the daughter who is currently 16 years old, said that their father conveyed them from Edo state, where they were pursuing their education, in order to find a partner for her.

She alleged that at the age of 14, she was initially compelled to live with a man who was over 70 years old.

However, after some time, she returned to her father’s house before eventually being married off to Chinedu Nweke, a 34-year-old man.

Chioma, accompanied by her older sister, explained that her stay with Chinedu has been an absolute nightmare as she has been subjected to physical abuses.

She said after series of abuse, she took the courageous decision to flee with her 9-month-old baby.

In his defence, the father, Uzochukwu Okoli claimed that his daughter is 18 years old.

The enraged father threatened to deal with the daughters if he regains his freedom.

However, Ify Obinabo, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, directed that the case be taken to court in order for the children to receive justice.

Obinabo stressing the significant of parents being observant of their children and guide them properly, rather than force them into early marriages that could ruin their futures.

She said Chinedu Nweke and Okoli will soon be arraigned to court.