A 31-year-old student of a theological institute in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Moses Ifeayichukwu Gabriel has been arrested and detained over alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl.
When contacted, the police public relations officer of the State Command of the Police, Maureen Chinaka, a deputy commissioner of police confirmed the arrest.
Chinaka explained that the matter had been reported at Ubakala Divisional Police Office at the headquarters of Umuahia South local government area.
She said preliminary investigation had been conducted into the matter and transferred to the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a continuation.
The matter had been made public by the state director, and the public relations officer of Behind the Bars Defenders, Marvelous Ochiegbu and Nony Philip respectively in a press statement.
The statement said the matter was brought to the attention of the organisation by the mother of the girl even as it was reported that the suspect also infected her.
“Acting swiftly, the organisation reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer, who ensured the prompt arrest of the suspect on November 6, 2025.”
According to the statement, the organisation condemned in very strong terms defilement of minors, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation.
It urged the state government, security agencies, religious organisations, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.
