Innocent Ezeukwu, the proprietor of Great Leaders Academy in Ime-Obi Agbor, Delta State, has shared his experience after a court discharged and acquitted him of allegations of raping a minor.
Ezeukwu was arrested in October 2023 following accusations of raping a 4-year-old girl at his school. According to Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police spokesperson, the arrest was made after the girl’s mother reported finding blood in her daughter’s private part. During questioning, the minor reportedly stated that her ‘uncle’ at the school used scissors to cut her before assaulting her.
Ezeukwu was arraigned at the High Court, Agbor Division, on December 12, 2023, facing one count of rape under Section 4 of the Delta State Violence Against Persons Law 2020.
In a conversation with Ika Weekly Newspaper during a visit from community leader Chief Yomi Oduselu Hassan, the now exonerated man expressed mixed feelings about his vindication. He thanked God and the Judiciary, but noted the significant personal cost of the ordeal. He revealed he spent seven months in prison for a crime he did not commit, adding that many innocent people are incarcerated.
Recalling his ordeal, Mr. Ezeukwu stated that the trouble began in 2023 when he was accused of using scissors to cut a young girl’s private parts with the intention of sexually abusing her. He further affirmed that many people, including human rights organizations, took interest in the case, all believing him guilty and attempting to “crucify” him.
