Chinedum Treasure
A retired teacher, Ike Okoye has been arrested for allegedly molesting and engaging in same sex activities with young boys in Isuofia, Aguata local government area of Anambra state.
The suspect, a native of Okpoko village was nabbed by Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in conjunction with Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade following a report by President-General of Isuofia Peoples Assembly, Chief Jude Chikadibia-Okeke.
The PG said the suspect was apprehended while having sexual relationship with some boys in the area.
He said, “The suspect has been molesting and engaging young men in homosexual activities for a long time now but anytime he gets arrested, he usually gets bailed by higher individuals in the state.
“We caught him over the weekend having sexual relationship with lots of boys and young men and quickly put a call through to Women Affairs Commissioner who instructed us to apprehend him immediately.”
The suspect, during interrogation, had denied the allegations, describing it as handiwork of mischief makers.
He later confessed he had at some point romanced some of the boys, held their private sexual organs, but never penetrated them as they alleged.
Meanwhile, two of the victims who pleaded anonymity said they were lured by the suspect with promise of financial assistance.
One of them, aged 25 said, “He usually comes under the guise of either assisting us with financial issues or allowing us to do his house chores and get paid.
“He first molested me when I was 17 years old and ever since then has been on my case until I decided to involve my mother,” he said.
Another victim, 31 years alleged that the suspect usually got satisfied by holding his private part.
He however said he later withdrew from him after feeling uncomfortable with the act.
Both victims alleged that after they left, the suspect kept pressurizing them and even threatened them at some point.
Reacting, Women Affairs Commissioner, Ify Obinabo and Managing Director, OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere expressed sadness over the incident, assuring government’s resolve in ending child molestation and homosexuality in the state.
The suspect had since been handed over to the Police for further investigations and prosecution.
About Author
