Man In Trouble For Giving Out Under-age Daughter In Marriage
Uzochukwu Okoli, an Anambra state resident, has been detained by the Anambra State Government for organizing the marriage of his underage daughter.
Okoli was detained after his daughter 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.
Following the death of their mother, Chioma Okoli, the daughter who is currently 16 years old, said that their father transported 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, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, directed that the case be taken to court in order for the children to receive justice.
Obinabo emphasized the importance of parents being vigilant of their children and guide them appropriately, rather than force them into early marriages that could ruin their futures.
She said Okoli and Chinedu Nweke will soon be charged to court.
