Mr Ike Okoye, a retired teacher from Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, was apprehended by the Anambra State Government’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra operatives, for allegedly molesting and engaging in same-sex activities with young boys in the community.
The suspect was apprehended after the incident was reported to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, Media Aide to Ify Obinabo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Ikeanyionwu stated that Chief Chikadibia Okeke, President-General of the Isuofia People’s Assembly, had reported the development. She stated that the suspect was handed over to police for further investigation before being prosecuted in court.
She stated, “According to the PG of Isuofia, the suspect has been assaulting and engaging young men in homosexual activities for a long time, but whenever he is detained, he is generally bailed out by higher officials in the state. “Chief Chikadibia Okeke stated that they discovered Okoye having sexual encounters with numerous youths and young men over the weekend and promptly called the Commissioner for Women Affairs, who directed them to capture him.
What they’re saying
“When interrogated, the suspect, a native of Okpoko village Isuofia and a retired teacher, who had previously denied the same-sex allegations on the grounds that it was his haters at work, later revealed that he had romanced some of the boys, held their sexual organs but never penetrated them, as they claimed.”
“Meanwhile, two of his victims who requested anonymity claimed the suspect frequently came under the guise of supporting one with money troubles or allowing them to perform his housework and receive payment. “One of his victims, who is currently 25 years old (name withheld), explained that the suspect first molested him when he was 17 years old and had been on his case ever since until he decided to involve his mother, while the other, a 31-year-old, stated that the suspect was usually satisfied whenever he held his private parts, but he became uncomfortable with the whole thing and fled.
“Both victims alleged that after they left, the suspect kept pressurising them and even threatened them at some point.”
In Essence
Ikeanyionwu stated that the Commissioner and Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, expressed sadness over the event and assured the state government of its commitment to ending child molestation and homosexuality in the state.
From there, the suspect was handed over to the police for further investigation and consequently charged to court but when the suspect appeared before the police, he started pleading that he be forgiven though he refused to mention the reason why he should be forgiven.
