The Enugu State Government has nullified an illegal underage marriage involving a 15-year-old girl, Precious Oyiga, and a 33-year-old man, Sopuluchukwu Odoh, in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. The action follows widespread public outrage after disturbing images and reports of the incident trended on social media.

Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, said the state acted swiftly to prevent what she described as an “illegal, harmful, and completely unacceptable union,” revealing that the marriage had already been consummated before government intervention.

According to her, the Ministry had earlier invited all parties involved for questioning after learning of the incident, particularly due to the alarming dangers associated with early marriage—ranging from lifelong psychological trauma to severe health complications such as vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) and cervical cancer. When the parties failed to honour the invitation, the Ministry, in collaboration with security agencies, effected the arrest of the girl’s parents, the groom, the groom’s parents, and the matchmaker, identified as Mrs. Patience Ndidiamaka, popularly known as Ezenwanyi.

During a protected interview, Precious disclosed that she was forced into the marriage and had never been enrolled in school. She clearly stated that she did not consent to becoming a wife. The groom’s mother, Mrs. Ngozi Odoh, admitted she pushed for the marriage because her son is an only child, a claim the Ministry dismissed as unlawful and unjustifiable.

The matchmaker claimed ignorance of the law, prompting the Ministry’s legal team to educate her and other parties on the Enugu State Child Rights Law, which criminalises early marriage and stipulates strict penalties for offenders. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Nkechi Ewoh, further sensitised all involved on child protection, gender-based violence, and the grave health risks associated with child marriage.

All arrested individuals have been handed over to security agencies for full investigation and prosecution.

Precious, alongside a two-year-old baby whose mother is yet to be identified, has been placed under the protective care of the Ministry’s Child Development Department. Mrs. Enih confirmed that the Enugu State Government will take full responsibility for Precious’ rehabilitation and education.

She assured the public that the state remains resolute in ending all forms of child abuse and harmful traditional practices. The Commissioner also thanked the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogbonna Ogallah, the constituency’s representative in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Clifford Nnaemeka Obe, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Robinson Odo, for their prompt collaboration and support during the intervention.