A 57-year-old economics lecturer, Professor Wirba Julius, has been arrested in Bamenda, North West Region, for allegedly raping seven minors, aged between two and thirteen.
Wirba, who teaches at the University of Bamenda, was detained after the parents of the victims filed a formal complaint. Commissioner Emmanuel Mbock of the Bamenda Central Police confirmed the arrest last February 28, 2025. Initially, Wirba admitted to the crime but later denied the allegations. According to reports, the victims described how they were lured to Wirba’s workshop near the Food Market with biscuits and sweets before being sexually assaulted. One of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, is reportedly pregnant as a result of the abuse. The mother of another victim, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that her four daughters, including her two-year-old twins, were also among the victims. Medical reports have substantiated the claims of sexual abuse.
The mother of a 10-year-old victim, who had been assaulted since she was in primary four, also shared her distress. “The abuse started years ago, and the medical reports confirm it,” she said. Despite the grave accusations, Wirba maintains his innocence, claiming he is familiar with the children but denies any sexual misconduct. He is set to be presented to the Legal Department for further investigation. Commissioner Mbock has called on the public to report similar cases, urging vigilance as many incidents remain unreported in local communities. The child said the man had been sleeping with her since she was in primary four, and she’s only ten years old now. “Even my two-year-old twins are among the victims. I decided to take all of them to the Regional Hospital, and the medical reports are available,” the mother said.
It is alleged that the suspect has been committing these acts for years, even before settling in Bamenda. Despite the accusations, Wirtu claims he is innocent and has never aped any child. He however, however acknowledged knowing the children and that they had visited his work place. Wirba will be presented to the Legal. Department for further investigation. Commissioner Emmanuel Mbock has urged the public to report similar cases, emphasizing that there many unreported incidents in the quarters.
