Confusion over age of boy arrested for rape

The Enugu State Police Command is currently in dilemma whether to charge a boy-Sunday Okeagu- accused of rape as an adult or a minor.

Sunday Okeagu who is an apprentice of electrical works was said to be in a relationship with an unnamed teen girl. The girl according to report visited Sunday at his apartment in Nsukka on Thursday January 8.

After spending the night with Sunday, the young man was arrested by the police after the parents of the girl accused him of defiling their daughter. After his arrest, he was detained at the Nsukka Police Station.

The case had a twist when a Human Right Organisation, Paths of Peace Initiative, accused the police of human rights violation for detaining a minor for 10 days.

Sunday’s mother, Bridget, said her son was born on February 15, 1999-making him 15 years old-which will make him a minor. Bridget also told Punch that her son has eventually released after the family paid N28,750.

She said according to the police, N18, 750 from the money would go to the girl’s father as settlement while N10, 000 was for the bail.

The Enugu Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, said the police are investigating Sunday’s real age and culpability in the alleged rape.