ANAMBRA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A 65- year old pastor, Francis Ogwu has been arrested for allegedly defiling his seven year old house-help in Awka, Anambra State.
The suspect, a native of Imo State, was nabbed following alarm by concerned residents of the area.
Ogwu, General Overseer of Jesus House of Joy Church, Awka, has lived with his wife and children in the state for over 30 years.
The victim, while narrating her ordeal in the office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect, who is her guardian has had carnal knowledge of her three times.
“He usually gives me money ranging from N500 to N1000 after each experience. Sometimes, his wife accuse me of snatching her husband from her.
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“What prompted my leaving the house was repeated beating I received from the daughter over irrelevant issue,” she said.
On her part, the victim’s mother, Destiny Nwabueze, a native of Awka, said she handed her daughter over to the Ogwu’s family following long standing relationship they had enjoyed.
She however said she was shocked when her daughter returned to her with the ugly incident.
“When I invited the Oga to my house, he denied the allegations. That was why I raised the alarm that attracted other persons,” she added.
The suspect, during interrogatioin, denied allegations of peneration as against the victim’s narratives, but however added that “I just fingered the girl once.”
On why he defiled the child, 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 deserved justice.
She however adviced women to always be vigilant and stop starving their husband of sex as that could lead to bad behaviors of some men.
She futher charged women to always protect their girl child at all cost, insisting that defilement was no longer excusable in the State.
Meanwhile, family of the suspect stampeded the Commissioner’s office, pleading for pardon, but was referred to the Police where the matter has been transferred to.