Enugu Govt. annuls marriage between 15-year-old girl and 33-year-old man following viral video
The Enugu State Government has annulled the marriage of a 15-year-old girl to a 33-year-old man after a video of the ceremony went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The wedding, which took place in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze Local Government Area, involved the underage girl, Precious Oyiga, and her significantly older groom, Sopuluchukwu Odoh.
The state government acted swiftly to dissolve the union, describing it as illegal, harmful, and wholly unacceptable.
The intervention came after authorities were alerted to the viral video by concerned citizens.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, confirmed that the marriage had already been consummated before government officials could step in.
She emphasised that early marriages carry severe risks, including lifelong psychological trauma, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), cervical cancer, and economic marginalization.
Mrs. Enih explained that prior to annulling the marriage, the ministry had invited all parties involved for questioning to understand the rationale behind the union.
However, the bride’s parents, the groom, the groom’s parents, and the matchmaker, Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka, a native doctor also known as an Ezenwanyi failed to comply, prompting collaboration with security agencies for their arrest.
During a protected interview, Precious disclosed that she was coerced into the marriage and had never attended school.
“She confirmed clearly that she did not consent to becoming a wife,” Mrs. Enih stated.
The groom’s mother admitted that her son was an only child, which motivated her to find him a wife, but she could not justify marrying him to a minor in light of the legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the matchmaker claimed ignorance of the criminality of child marriage, a stance that was promptly corrected by the ministry’s legal team.
Officials from the ministry, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Nkechi Ewoh, educated all involved parties on the Enugu State Child Rights Law, which criminalises early marriage and prescribes penalties for offenders.
They also provided guidance on child protection, gender-based violence, and the serious health risks linked to underage marriage.
The arrested individuals have been handed over to security agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Precious, who is now under the protective care of the Ministry’s Child Development Department, is also caring for a two-year-old child whose mother has yet to be identified.
Mrs. Enih assured the public that the government would take full responsibility for Precious’s rehabilitation and education, reinforcing Enugu State’s commitment to ending child abuse and harmful traditional practices that violate the rights of girls, women, and other vulnerable groups.
The commissioner expressed appreciation for the swift cooperation of Hon. Ogbonna Ogallah, Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area; Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe, the constituency representative in the Enugu State House of Assembly; and Mr. Robinson Odo, Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, in supporting the ministry’s efforts.
