A31-year-old Anglican Church laborer in Anambra state has been arrested for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl in the church toilet. The incident happened in one of the churches (name withheld) in Ifite, Awka, Anambra state.
The suspect identified as James Rich from Cross Rivers state but working as a yardman in the church, was said to be married with two kids and expecting his third child. The suspect admitted that he defiled the victim and impregnated her in the process.
He pleaded for pardon, blaming the act on the devil. He said: “I usually sleep with her every Sunday morning at the toilet in the church premises. But I had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after giving her N200 to buy biscuit. “I plead for pardon. This is the first time I’m committing the crime and it’s temptation that made me do so.”
The 14-year-old victim, who allegedly, had developmental challenge, revealed that the suspect usually defiled her every Sunday morning before commencement of 6:30am service. Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect was apprehended through assistance of State Police Command.
Speaking through her Special Assistant, Blessing Nweke, the commissioner disclosed that the matter was reported to her through the victim’s guardian. She said the suspect was apprehended after the victim was certified pregnant, adding that the case would soon be charged to get justice for the victim. She warned adults to stop defiling young girls, especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison as the state frowned at such acts.
