By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
NEKEDE OWERRI — Concerns over access to justice for victims of child abuse intensified in Owerri on Thursday after a Family Court reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of police authorities to produce one of the suspects in an alleged defilement case involving a seven (7)-year-old girl from Umuezerokam Nekede.
The matter, which has attracted public attention in Owerri West Local Government Area, centers on allegations that a minor was sexually abused by One Godfrey Amadi (70) and Sidney Onyemere (70) who constantly took turns on the minor in Nekede.
During proceedings, the court reportedly questioned the absence of one of the suspects despite an earlier directive for both defendants to appear before the court.
The inability to produce the suspect generated concern among observers, family members, and child rights advocates who attended the proceedings.
Having adjourned to Thursday, July 2, 2026, for the production of Mr. Amadi and continuation of proceedings, Presiding Magistrate J.I. Austin Okeke said the non-production of Mr. Godfrey Enyeribe Amadi, 70, amounted to “disobedience to the court’s directive” issued on June 19, 2026.
The court ordered Police Prosecutor, DSP Elochukwu Osegbo, to ensure Mr. Amadi is produced at the next sitting.
Recall that the matter involves the alleged defilement of a 7-year-old child in Nekede, Owerri West LGA. Two suspects, Mr. Sidney Onyemere, 70, and Mr. Godfrey Enyeribe Amadi, 70, were both arrested on May 14, 2026.
The court had earlier directed that both defendants be arraigned together. Police have, however, presented only Mr. Onyemere on two separate occasions. When questioned, the prosecutor told the court that “only one file” — that of Mr. Onyemere — was made available to him, and that Mr. Amadi’s file was “not readily available.”
Magistrate Okeke faulted the explanation, stating that under Imo State law, it is illegal for police to unilaterally release or fail to produce a suspect in a defilement case before a judge for remand or arraignment proceedings.
The Magistrate also cautioned DSP Osegbo, saying he appeared to be “acting outside his role” by making submissions that seemed to defend the absent defendant. The court ruled that neither the prosecutor nor counsel appearing for Mr. Amadi would be heard until the suspect is physically produced as ordered.
The proceedings drew attendance from several civil society and rights groups, including the National Human Rights Commission, Child Protection Network, RULAAC, FIDA Nigeria, Justice & Equity For All International Foundation, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. Family members and supporters of the victim were also present.
Present in support of Mr. Amadi were Adaku Uzoma Soronnadi, Mrs. Celestina Evans Onyemere, Mrs. Kenneth Onyemere, Mrs. Patricia Chijioke Oparaku, Herbet Azoro Amuzie, Pa Onyemere, and Mike Onyenwe, who reportedly arranged transportation from the village.
Some of the women in the group, who appeared in uniform, were seen celebrating after one of them — identified as a “Women’s Leader” — ended a phone call and distributed cash to the others, describing it as a “thank you” gesture from a well respected son of Umuezerokam Nekede, Elder Anthony Ajoku.
The young victim’s parents, described as persons of limited financial means, have continued to seek justice while appealing for support from government institutions and relevant agencies.
Several civil society organisations and child protection advocates present at the court stressed the need for diligent investigation and speedy prosecution of child abuse cases, emphasizing that delays could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Observers noted that cases involving minors require urgent attention because of their psychological and social implications on victims and their families.
Human rights advocates also called on security agencies to ensure that every person connected to the matter is properly accounted for and that legal processes are allowed to take their course without interference.
The case has continued to generate discussions among residents and rights groups, many of whom insist that the welfare of the child should remain the primary concern.
As the matter returns to court next week, stakeholders are urging law enforcement authorities, child protection agencies, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and human rights bodies to monitor proceedings closely to ensure justice is served.
Advocates maintain that protecting children from abuse requires coordinated action from families, communities, security agencies, and the judiciary.
For the family of the young girl, the hope remains that the legal process will deliver accountability and provide the child an opportunity to heal. Also Ndi Imo both traditional and religious groups have warned both handlers not to compromise this delicate case involving a 7yr Minor in Imo.
More details will be published on our news platform as the case continues in Owerri Imo State Nigeria.
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526
