The Enugu State Government has confirmed the arrest of the parents of a teenage bride, the parents of the groom, the groom himself, and a matchmaker over the viral case of an underage marriage involving a 13-year-old girl named Amarachi in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.
The Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, said the arrests were made after the individuals refused to honour an invitation from her ministry following the circulation of disturbing videos of the illegal marriage.
She said the government had to intervene when it became clear that the marriage—already consummated—involved a minor who neither understood marriage nor consented to it.
“We invited them to the ministry to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to come. Their refusal suggested complicity, so we initiated their arrest,” she stated.
Those detained include the groom’s parents and a native doctor, identified as Mrs Patience, who played the role of matchmaker. The matchmaker reportedly claimed she was unaware that child marriage was a criminal offence.
Amarachi, now placed under state protection, told officials she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school. The groom’s mother allegedly defended the act because her son is an only child, but could not justify marrying a minor when confronted with the law.
The commissioner said the ministry’s legal team educated the arrested individuals on the Child Rights Law and the penalties attached to child marriage. Senior officials also enlightened them on gender-based violence and major health dangers linked to early marriage, including VVF, cervical cancer, and emotional trauma.
All suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation. Amarachi, along with a two-year-old child found during the operation—whose mother is yet to be identified—were taken into protective custody.
Eni assured that the state would rehabilitate Amarachi, ensure she returns to school, and officially nullify the illegal marriage.
She also praised the swift support of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogalla, the constituency’s House of Assembly member, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for aiding the intervention.
