A 41-year-old man, Michael Akpan-Isaiah, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly defiling his four daughters.
The minors are aged between two and 17 years. Isaiah, from Akwa Ibom State, allegedly committed the offence between April and May at Borokiri Sand Field, Port Harcourt.
The charge reads: “That you, Michael Akpan Isaiah, sometime in April, 2018, did have unlawful carnal knowledge of (name withheld) without her consent
That you, Michael Akpan Isaiah, sometime in May, 2018, did have unlawful carnal knowledge of (name withheld) aged 7 years old.” The accused admitted committing the crime, but claimed he was manipulated.
But a Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) representative, Fortune Ada Ndah, dismissed the claims and told the court that he carried out the act in his right senses.
She alleged that the incest had been going on even before the two-year-old he also defiled was born.
“The accused has been forcefully sleeping with his daughters for the past three years,” Ndah added.
Chief Magistrate Zinnah Alikor described the act as an abomination, saying it was wicked and devilish.
She blamed the mother for encouraging incest by not having a close relationship with her children.
Alikor declined jurisdiction on the charge and ordered that the original case file be sent to the state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
She ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody and adjourned the matter sine dine.
Addressing reporters after the sitting, Ndah said: “Medical diagnosis conducted on the children showed they have been defiled. FIDA is not happy about this irresponsible act of a man to his daughters.
We will ensure the matter is prosecuted to act as a deterrent to others.”
The victims’ mother said she reported to her in-laws when she first noticed the amorous relationship between her husband and their daughters, but lamented that no action was taken.
She alleged that her husband threatened and beat her and the children up anytime they complained.