Underage marriage: Enugu govt goes after parents, groom; nullifies union
The marriage between a 13-year-old girl and 30-year-old bridegroom, conducted in Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, has been dissolved by the state government.
Those involved – both parents, and the matchmaker, have been arrested.
The teenage bride, identified as Amarachi -13 years old was reported to have married a 30-year-old man in a traditional ceremony.
Images from the ceremony immediately sparked intense outrage across social media and within the community, prompting an urgent government intervention.
According to a detailed statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Ngozi Eni, the ministry was alerted after photos and eyewitness accounts revealed that the minor had been married off to an adult man in a fully organised traditional ceremony, allegedly arranged by the groom’s family with support from a native doctor known as an Ezenwanyi.
Commissioner Eni explained that the ministry initially extended a formal invitation to the families involved, including the groom, his parents, and the matchmaker, asking them to provide justification for arranging and endorsing a marriage involving a minor. Despite the gravity of the issue and the clear legal implications, none of the parties honoured the summons.
Following their refusal, the ministry escalated the matter, working with security agencies to arrest all adults involved. “Upon their failure to appear before the ministry, arrangements were made for their arrest—both parents, the groom, and the matchmaker, a native doctor,” the statement emphasised.
During a private conversation with ministry officials, Amarachi disclosed that she had been forced into the marriage and had no prior education. She confirmed that she did not consent to becoming a bride and expressed relief after being removed from the situation.
The groom’s mother reportedly defended her actions by claiming her son was an only child and needed a wife. However, she offered no explanation after being informed that marrying off an underage girl constituted a serious offence under the Child Rights Law.
The statement added that the ministry’s legal department briefed the arrested individuals on the legal consequences of marrying or facilitating the marriage of a minor.
Health officers also highlighted the medical and psychological dangers of early marriage, including the risks of cervical cancer, vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF), emotional trauma, and developmental instability.
The state government has placed Amarachi under official protection and plans to rehabilitate her through psychosocial support, formal education, and long-term empowerment programmes. “The state government will nurture and empower Amarachi through education while officially nullifying the marriage,” Eni confirmed.
Commissioner Eni commended the swift intervention of local authorities, including the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Ogalla, the constituency’s House of Assembly representative, and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, noting their roles in accelerating government action.
