A 31-year-old student of a theological institute in Umuahia, Abia State, Moses Ifeanyichukwu Gabriel, has been arrested and detained over alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abia State Command, DCP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrest.

Chinaka explained that the matter was reported at the headquarters of Ubakala Divisional Police Office, Umuahia South local government area of the state.

The PPRO said preliminary investigation had been conducted and the matter transferred to the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The State Director and Public Relations Officer of Behind the Bars Defenders, Marvelous Ochiegbu and Nony Philip, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

They said the matter was brought to the attention of the organisation by the mother of the victim, adding that the suspect was also infected by the suspect.

“Acting swiftly, the organisation reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer, who ensured the prompt arrest of the suspect on November 6, 2025,” the statement stated.

The organisation strongly condemned the defilement of minors, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation.

It urged the state government, security agencies, religious organisations, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence. (LEADERSHIP)