A man and his daughter have reportedly been banished from Nenwe community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State following allegations that he sexually abused and impregnated her. Community leaders reportedly ordered both individuals to leave permanently after describing the alleged conduct as a violation of the community's traditional customs.
The banishment reportedly took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Nenwe, Aninri Local Government Area. The man, identified only as Mark, was accused of impregnating his biological daughter, whose name has been withheld. The incident was reported on Friday, October 16, by WITHIN NIGERIA, which cited accounts from community members.
According to the report, residents became aware of the allegation and referred the matter to community leaders, who decided that both the father and daughter should be expelled. The leaders reportedly regarded the alleged conduct as a serious breach of local customs and maintained that banishment was the traditional sanction for such an offence.
Following the decision, the man and his daughter were reportedly summoned before community members and escorted towards the boundary separating Nenwe from a neighbouring town. Fresh palm fronds were tied around their necks and waists during the procession, while gunpowder was reportedly discharged as part of the traditional ceremony.
A video circulated on social media appeared to show residents accompanying the two individuals along a road during the banishment. The footage showed the daughter carrying a backpack as community members followed them. However, the video does not independently establish the circumstances of the alleged sexual abuse or the paternity of the pregnancy.
An elder who addressed the gathering reportedly explained that the decision had been reached collectively by the community. According to the elder, the punishment was intended to enforce Nenwe's traditional customs following what residents considered a serious violation.
The community representative reportedly declared that the man and his daughter would no longer be permitted to return to Nenwe, including after death. The declaration was presented as part of the traditional sanction imposed by the community rather than a decision issued by a court.
Another speaker reportedly warned the man against mistreating any member of Nenwe whom he might encounter after leaving the community. The speaker also declared that the two individuals would no longer be recognised as members of Nenwe and the Agbada community.
A resident, Chinedu Ugwu, who spoke to WITHIN NIGERIA, expressed concern about the allegation and the circumstances surrounding the banishment. He said he had lived in the area for more than 40 years without witnessing a similar incident and described the alleged conduct as a serious violation of community values.
The reported expulsion has also attracted criticism from legal advocates concerned about the treatment of the daughter. The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu State Branch, condemned the decision to banish her alongside the man accused of sexually abusing her.
In a statement issued through its State Coordinator, Chidi Grace Obeke, and Public Relations Officer, Amaka Onyemalu, the association described the reported incident as involving serious allegations of sexual abuse and a failure to protect the person who had allegedly experienced it.
AWLA alleged that the daughter had reported repeated sexual abuse and intimidation by her father. The association further claimed that she had sought assistance from a family member but was discouraged from disclosing the allegations. These details were presented by the organisation and have not been independently established through police findings or court proceedings.
The association criticised the reported decision of community authorities to expel the daughter rather than arrange protection and assistance for her. It maintained that the treatment described in the reports raised serious concerns under Nigerian laws protecting individuals from violence and abuse.
AWLA cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of movement, and referred to the Enugu State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and Child Rights Law in challenging the reported banishment.
The organisation called on the Enugu State Police Command to investigate the allegations against the father and take appropriate action under the law. It also requested an investigation into the actions of community leaders and other individuals allegedly involved in enforcing the expulsion.
In addition, the association urged the Enugu State Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene. Its requests included safe accommodation, medical assistance and psychological support for the daughter.
The available reports have not independently established the daughter's age, although AWLA described her as a minor. No publicly verified medical or forensic evidence confirming the pregnancy's paternity was identified in the reports reviewed.
The Enugu State Police Command had not issued a publicly verified statement confirming an investigation or arrest at the time of the initial reports. WITHIN NIGERIA said attempts to obtain comments from the command's spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful.
Neither the man nor his daughter was reported to have made a public statement addressing the allegations. There was also no confirmed information about their whereabouts or living arrangements following the reported expulsion.
The allegations of sexual abuse, the circumstances of the pregnancy and the actions of community authorities remain matters requiring independent investigation. No criminal conviction has been reported in connection with the case.
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