In Awka, Anambra State, a 65-year-old pastor named Francis Ogwu has been taken into custody on charges of defiling his seven-year-old domestic helper.
The suspect, a native of Imo State, was arrested after concerned residents raised alarm about his activities.
Ogwu, the General Overseer of Jesus House of Joy Church, Awka, is accused of raping the minor three times.
Narrating her ordeal, the seven-year-old victim told the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, that the suspect rapes her and then gives her money.
She said: “He usually gives me money, from N500 to N1000, after each experience.
“Sometimes, his wife accuses me of snatching her husband from her.
“What prompted my leaving the house was the repeated beating I received from the daughter over irrelevant issues.”
The girl was given to the Ogwu family by the victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, an Awka native, citing their long-standing bond as the reason. She did, however, express surprise when her daughter came back to her to tell her about the unpleasant event.
She said: “I quickly invited the Oga to my house. But when he came, he denied the allegations, which made me to raise the alarm that attracted other persons.”
During interrogation, the suspect denied allegations of penetration as claimed by the victim.
He said: “I just fingered the girl once.”
Asked why he defiled the girl, the suspect said, ” I was tempted because my wife usually gives excuses that she’s fasting whenever I want to have quality time with her.”
Reacting, the Commissioner vowed to ensure the victim got justice.
She, however, advised women to always be vigilant and stop starving their husbands of sex. She further charged women to always protect their children at all costs.
The suspect’s family begged the Commissioner’s office for pardon but the matter was reported to the police.