The suspect said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, committed the act in the Amanuke community, Awka North Local Government Area in the state.

A statement on Tuesday by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed that the incident, which occurred sometime in July, was brought to the notice of the ministry in August, by a whistleblower.

Ikeanyionwu added that the commissioner, through the security operatives, launched a hunt for the suspect, apprehended and brought him for interrogation before the law enforcement agents.

The statement read in part, “The suspect, Chukwudi Okoye, 34, a native of Enugwu-Agidi, but resident at Amanuke, said he only fingered the survivor because his manhood could not enter her private parts.

“According to the 34-year-old suspect, he never intended to do such a despicable act but was lured into it when the 10-year-old lay on his bed. Although he denied penetrating the girl, he at the same time, pleaded for pardon because, according to him, it was the work of the devil.

“The suspect is said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion in Amanuke.