By Cajetan Mmuta
The embattled 75 year old suspect in the rape and eventual pregnancy of a 13 year old girl Mr Sunday Moghalu, who is standing trial before senior Magistrate Jenevive Osakwe has asked the court to order for the DNA test on the controversial pregnancy.
The suspect told the court that he is not responsible for the pregnancy, insisting that the girl was impregnated after visiting her home town for a cultural festival in Akwa Ibom State .
Speaking through his counsel Barr Okwuawka, he claimed he has never been mad or had any form of brain complications to fall into such temptations even when his wife is alive.
According to the counsel, the girl was sent back to Akwa Ibom when they noticed she was pregnant,but she was brought back by her parents and in a bid to assist her he found himself into this embarrassing situation.
He regretted that the mistake he made was that he didn’t report the matter to the police adding that the girl has also made some confessional statement that would be made public as the matter progresses
Recall that Moughalu was arraigned on a three count charge before an Amawbia Magistrate court presided over by Senior magistrate Jennevive Osakwe bothering on rape, unlawful intercourse and abuse of fundamental rights among others.
The prosecuting officer, Inspector Ayogu Onyema had told the court that the defendant was arrested on Sunday night at his Agu Oye Umudioka following a tip off.
He said the offense is punishable under section 34 law of Anambra State 2004.
But Moghalu pleaded not guilty to the charges claiming that he was not responsible for the Pregnancy.
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Senior magistrate Osakwe in her ruling disqualified herself to the bail application brought by his counsel on the ground that she has no jurisdiction.
She referred the matter to High Court and adjourned the to Feb,1 2023 for transfer of the matter.
Muoghalu who resides at Agu Oye Umudioka Awka was arrested on Sunday night on order of the Commissioner for women affairs, Social Development Hon Ify Obinabo
His arrested followed a video of the girl and her new baby which went viral on social media after she was discovered by a Good Sameritan who stumbled on her where she was abandoned in a private hospital at Adazi in Aniocha Local Governnent Area of the state.
