Enugu Government Nullifies Forced Marriage Between 33-Year-Old Man and 15-Year-Old Girl, Launches Full Investigation
The Enugu State Government has formally nullified the controversial marriage between 33-year-old Sopuluchukwu Odoh and 15-year-old Precious Oyiga, following widespread outrage triggered by photos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media. The incident, which occurred in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, has drawn sharp condemnation from the public, child-rights advocates, and government officials.
According to the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the state acted with urgency to halt what she described as an “illegal, harmful, and unacceptable union.” She confirmed that the marriage had already been consummated before authorities were alerted, prompting an immediate intervention to protect the minor involved.
The Ministry had initially invited the parties for questioning to understand why an underage girl was married off despite clear legal prohibitions and the well-documented dangers associated with early marriage. These dangers include severe psychological trauma, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, loss of educational opportunities, and long-term economic disempowerment. When none of the parties honoured the Ministry’s summons, officials escalated the situation.
Working closely with security operatives, the Ministry secured the arrest of the girl’s parents, the groom, the groom’s parents, and the matchmaker — a native doctor identified as Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka, popularly known as “Ezenwanyi.” All were taken into custody for interrogation and legal processing.
During a protected interview with Ministry officials, Precious revealed that she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school. She made it clear that she did not consent to becoming a wife at her age. The groom’s mother, Mrs. Ngozi Odoh, claimed that she arranged the marriage because her son was an only child, but she could not provide any justification for selecting a minor despite being informed of its criminal implications.
The matchmaker, Mrs. Ndidiamaka, insisted she was unaware that child marriage was a criminal offence. The Ministry’s legal team immediately educated her and others on the provisions of the Enugu State Child Rights Law — legislation that expressly criminalises child marriage and prescribes penalties for all participants, whether parents, facilitators, or beneficiaries.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Nkechi Ewoh, further informed all parties about issues of child protection, gender-based violence, and the serious health risks linked to early marriage. Following their arrest, all suspects were transferred to relevant security agencies for comprehensive investigation and eventual prosecution.
The Ministry has taken full custody of Precious and another toddler found in the home — a two-year-old whose mother has not yet been identified. Both children have been placed under the protective care of the Child Development Department. Mrs. Enih also confirmed that the state government will be responsible for Precious’ rehabilitation, psychological support, and full educational sponsorship.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ending child abuse, forced marriages, and harmful traditional practices in Enugu State. She also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Hon. Ogbonna Ogallah; the Member representing the constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Robinson Odo, for their rapid collaboration during the operation.
The case has sparked widespread public debate, with many praising the state government for taking decisive action. Others have called for sustained sensitisation campaigns, stricter enforcement of child-rights laws, and more proactive involvement from local governments to prevent future occurrences.
For now, the government’s action sends a strong message: underage marriage in Enugu State will not be tolerated, and all who participate in it — directly or indirectly — will face the full weight of the law.