Enugu Govt. Nullifies Child Marriage, Arrests Families And Matchmaker

The Enugu State Government has annulled the marriage between an underaged girl, Amarachi, and an adult man following widespread public outcry after photos and videos of the ceremony in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, surfaced online.

In a statement on Thursday, November 27, Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, said the government swiftly intervened to stop what it described as an “illegal and harmful union,” noting that officials confirmed the marriage had already been consummated.

The ministry invited the families involved for questioning to determine why a minor had been given out in marriage despite the psychological, medical, and legal implications. When they failed to appear, the ministry facilitated their arrest.

Those detained include Amarachi’s parents, the groom’s parents, the groom himself, and the matchmaker identified as Mrs. Patience a native doctor who claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence.

During a private session with ministry officials, Amarachi disclosed that she had been forced into the marriage and had never been enrolled in school. The groom’s mother reportedly admitted she wanted a wife for her only son but gave no explanation for choosing a child.

The ministry’s legal team educated all parties on the Child Rights Law, the penalties for child marriage, and the dangers it exposes young girls to, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, and long-term psychological trauma.

Authorities have handed over all suspects to security agencies for further investigation.

Amarachi, along with a two-year-old child whose mother is yet to be identified, has been placed under the care of the ministry’s Head of Child Unit for protection, rehabilitation, and access to education.

Commissioner Eni reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and thanked local leaders who supported the swift intervention.