Ebonyi catechist accused of defiling three-year-old girl as victim suffers health complications

Fresh calls have emerged for the reinvestigation of an alleged sexual assault involving a three-year-old girl and a catechist at St. Theresa Cathedral in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, following delays in prosecuting the suspect.

The victim, now four, is reportedly battling serious health complications following the incident, which allegedly occurred in 2025.

According to SaharaReporters, the allegations resurfaced amid concerns over the child’s condition and the reported delay in legal proceedings.

Humanist and aid worker Ugama Steve disclosed on Facebook that the child recently returned to hospital for treatment.

“The doctor in charge of her case confirmed that she was defiled when she was first rushed to the hospital last year,” Steve wrote.

“The effect of the rape is what she is still suffering. The doctor said the girl needs to be repaired. She is currently on antibiotics.”

Steve alleged that police initially arrested the catechist before releasing him on bail.

He said an investigating officer confirmed that the case file had been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

However, no arraignment has reportedly followed.

The child’s mother alleged that church authorities pressured her to abandon the case, an allegation that remains unverified.

Steve also reported receiving warnings to discontinue his intervention.

“Help me share this until we arrest him again,” he pleaded.

The suspect’s response remains unavailable, while independent confirmation of the medical findings and prosecution status is outstanding.