A well-known lawyer, Bar. Steve Ugama, has raised concerns over the case of a four-year-old girl in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, who is reportedly experiencing medical complications following alleged sexual abuse last year.
In his account, Ugama said the child’s mother alleged that a catechist at St. Theresa Cathedral, Abakaliki, where the family previously lived, was responsible for the incident.
Ugama disclosed that the case resurfaced last Thursday after the Public Relations Officer of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA) contacted him about the child’s condition. The girl had reportedly been brought back to the hospital after experiencing foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
According to Ugama, the doctor handling the case confirmed that the child had sustained genital injuries when she was first brought to the hospital last year. She is currently receiving antibiotics, while the doctor reportedly said she requires a repair procedure.
The lawyer said the mother claimed the suspect was arrested last year but later released on bail. A police officer who handled the case reportedly informed him that the matter had been forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Ugama also recounted conflicting accounts from the family and the cathedral administrator. While the mother alleged that she and her husband were pressured to abandon the case, the administrator reportedly disputed her allegations and questioned whether she could establish the catechist’s involvement.
The lawyer said he had contacted the police officer to request further investigation but had been unable to reach the accused. He also alleged receiving a warning from the child’s paternal uncle to stay out of the matter.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the accused has not been reached for comment.
Ugama’s account has renewed calls for a thorough investigation, appropriate medical care for the child and accountability for anyone found responsible. The child’s identity has been withheld to protect her privacy.