Enugu Government Arrests Parents, Groom and Matchmakers Over Underage Marriage

The Enugu State Government has taken decisive action following the circulation of disturbing images and videos of an underage wedding allegedly held in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

According to the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, who confirmed the development on Thursday, November 27, authorities moved swiftly to halt what she described as an “illegal and harmful union.”

She explained that the police immediately stepped in to prevent the marriage and began questioning the parents involved. The Ministry, she added, wanted to understand why the families would support giving out their children in marriage despite the severe psychological, health, and legal consequences—especially the heightened risks of cervical cancer, VVF, and other complications associated with early marriage.

However, the parents reportedly refused to honor the invitation for questioning, leading to their eventual arrest.

In her statement, the Commissioner revealed that those taken into custody include Amarachi’s parents, the groom’s parents, the groom himself, and a matchmaker identified as Mrs. Patience, a native doctor who claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence.

Ngozi further disclosed that the young girl, Amarachi, was forced into the marriage and had never attended school.
The statement added:“The groom’s mother admitted she wanted a wife for her only son but offered no justification for selecting an underage girl,”

“The ministry’s legal team briefed all parties on the Child Rights Law and penalties for child marriage, while officials educated them on gender-based violence and the medical risks associated with early marriage, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and cervical cancer.”

“Amarachi and a two-year-old child—whose mother has yet to be identified—are now in the care of the ministry’s Head of Child Unit,” the statement noted.

Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that “Amarachi and a two-year-old child—whose mother has yet to be identified—are now in the care of the ministry’s Head of Child Unit.”

Commissioner Eni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Amarachi receives proper education, protection, and full rehabilitation.

She also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government, Mr. Ogalla; the constituency’s House of Assembly member; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for their prompt and unwavering support.