A 39-year old man, identified as Uzochukwu Augustine on Wednesday narrowly escaped lynching for allegedly raping a 12-year old girl in Ngozika Estate, Awka, Anambra state.
The suspect, a father of two reportedly defiled the victim in a nearby bush in the area, threatening to kill her if she raised alarm.
A bus loader, popularly called agboro, the suspect was said to be with his victim when he was rounded up by some artisans working in a uncompleted building close to the bush.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the site workers who gave his name as Jude said they were working in the building when they heard a knock at the gate.
He said, “We were working at a site nearby when we suddenly heard a shout. A lady came knocking at the gate. She said we should follow her. We went inside the bush where the lady pointed to us.
“As soon as we got there, we saw this man and the girl. The girl said he threatened her that if she shouts, she will kill her. He was about to run when we apprehended her.
The suspect however denied having any carnal knowledge with the girl, saying he only wanted to offer her money when he was caught.
“I didn’t touch her. Nobody was there. I went there to give her money,” he said.
The DAILY VENDOR learnt that the suspect was later handed over to the Police, while the victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
